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Special recognition honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of fallen Illinois State Troopers.
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Special Recognition
WHEREAS, Scott’s Law, or the Move Over Law, was named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was hit and killed by an intoxicated driver in 2000 while assisting with a collision; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, three Illinois State Troopers: Trooper Christopher Lambert, Trooper Brooke Jones-Story, and Trooper Gerald Ellis were killed in the line of duty, two of which were a direct result of Scott’s Law violations; and
WHEREAS, Illinois law affirms that when nearing any stopped emergency vehicle with emergency lights activated, drivers must proceed with caution, change lanes when possible, and reduce speed; and
WHEREAS, Scott’s Law was implemented to ensure the safety of motorists, construction workers and emergency responders when they are stopped on the side of the road; and
WHEREAS, police departments across the State are strongly enforcing Scott’s Law. Violators will be pulled over; and
WHEREAS, road maintenance workers, police officers, fire officials and other emergency responders are at risk every day as part of their work. It’s everyone’s job on the roads to ensure they make it home safe to their families every day; and
WHEREAS, as the number of officers and emergency responders who get struck by passing vehicles on the road increases, it is imperative that the public remains informed about the importance of following Scott’s Law; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, the Lake County Board honors the life, service, and sacrifice of our fallen heroes, and extends its sincerest condolences to their family and friends; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, the Lake County Board pledges to raise continual awareness of Scott’s Law and urges motorists to move over and slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with emergency lights flashing.
DATED, at Waukegan, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, on May 14, 2019.