State Representative Charlie Meier honored Trooper Clay Carns on the House Floor. His remarks are below:
“On the evening of December 23, Illinois State Trooper Clay M. Carns observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 near Channahon. He put on his emergency lights, pulled over to the shoulder, and was going to remove the debris when he was struck by a vehicle.
The vehicle violated Scott’s Law, which this body passed to prevent incidents like this from happening. Scott’s Law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights.
Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he passed away due to his injuries.
Trooper Carns entered the ISP Academy on November 10, 2013 as part of Cadet Class 123, and graduated on May 2, 2014. In 2022, Trooper Carns received the Violent Crime Expressway Ribbon for his work in helping combat gun violence and interstate shootings. He was assigned to Troop 3. Trooper Carns was a passionate public servant who will be remembered for his unparalleled dedication to his city, community, and state
Trooper Carns was only 35 years old, and leaves behind his wife Meghan, young children Gray and Ally, parents Patti and Danny Carns, and siblings Chad Carns, Erica Raciack, and Elyssa Carns.
Trooper Carns was born and raised in Nashville, Illinois area and has served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years. His job as a Trooper took one of Southern Illinois’ finest up north to Orland Park with his wife and children.
Yesterday, on January 3, 2025, Trooper Carns was laid to rest in Orland Park.
Let us honor Trooper Clay M. Carns with a moment of silence.“