Section of Illinois highway dedicated to slain state trooper

WATERLOO, Sick. – Illinois State Police devoted a bit of Route 3 on Thursday in honor of Trooper Nicholas Hopkins, who was killed within the line of obligation in August 2019.

The Trooper Nick Hopkins Memorial Freeway runs from Kaskaskia to GG roads in Waterloo, Illinois. He was a 10-year veteran of the state police.

“As soon as somebody is gone, you notice how a lot you miss the little issues,” stated Whitney Hopkins, Trooper Hopkins’ widow.

Trooper Hopkins and different state police had been executing a search warrant at a house in East St. Louis on the morning of Aug. 23, 2019, when Hopkins was fatally wounded. He was 33.

Christopher Grant was convicted of the homicide and sentenced to 40 years in jail. 

“Nick touched so many lives and it continues to amaze me what number of lives are nonetheless impacted by him,” Whitney Hopkins stated.

Thursday morning, first responders from across the space met at Life Group Church in Columbia for a celebration of Trooper Hopkins’ life.

“We introduced our ladder truck out to honor Nick Hopkins,” stated Chief Mike Roediger, Columbia Hearth Safety District. “He was a valued member of our group in Waterloo and Columbia. His brother is a police officer in our group. We’re simply right here to honor his reminiscence and to honor the state police and our police departments out.” 

The service concluded on the church by noon. A gentle stream of police automobiles and different legislation enforcement made their option to the stretch of Route 3 now baring Hopkins’ identify.

Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith stated it was necessary to get this dedication for the slain state trooper.

“9 thousand folks will see the signal heading south day-after-day. Twelve thousand at evening will go previous Nick’s signal, lest we neglect,” he stated. “We’ll at all times keep in mind Nick Hopkins and that signal – that’s there for that.” 

Whitney stated the signal is recognition of his service to the group.

“Our household won’t ever be the identical, however we’re so grateful for the reminiscences we made and the assist we obtain day-after-day from the folks we love,” she stated.