Visitation held for Illinois State Police trooper Clay Carns, killed in roadside crash
ORLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) — First responders on Thursday said a final farewell to their friend and coworker at visitation for fallen llinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns.
Friends, family, and coworkers made their way into Parkview Christian Church in southwest suburban Orland Park since visitation began at 1 p.m. At 5 p.m. came the first of two first-responder walk-throughs—which was set to include a lot of people who came up with Trooper Carns as students.
A similar event was planned for 6 p.m.
The 35-year-old trooper was hit and killed by a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck two days before Christmas on I-55 near Channahon. Police say he had turned on his lights and pulled over on the shoulder to pick up debris.
Carns served 11 years with state police and leaves behind a wife and two young kids.
Those who attended the visitation walked through a line of American flags and past a state police vehicle covered in black and purple bunting to remember Trooper Carns—a man known for his dependability.
"Every one of his fellow officers talks about what a great teammate he was, what a person of integrity he was, how trustworthy he was," said Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly, "and in this business, when you're dealing with very dangerous situations all the time, that type of trust is critical."
ISP said the driver involved in the crash, 69-year-old John Fleet, of Wilmington, was charged with a violation of Scott's Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any other vehicle with its emergency lights or hazard lights activated.
"People have just got to slow down. They've got to move over. They've got to pay attention. Just give a damn about your fellow human being," Kelly said Thursday. "Show some respect for the men and women who do this job on a daily basis."
The funeral for Carns will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at the church. A procession will follow from the church to the cemetery in Alsip.
