Hundreds gathered at an Orland Park church Thursday to honor Illinois State Trooper Clay M. Carns, who was fatally struck by a car while on the job last week.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, a steady stream of mourners entered Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway, for Carns' visitation as a light snow fell.
Standing outside the church, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the solemn moment was yet another reminder for motorists to heed traffic warnings and slow down when they see an official working on a roadway.
“I wish that we were not here. We wish that we didn’t have to arrest anyone and charge anyone with failing to slow down and move over.“ Kelly said. “But that’s why we’re here. People just have to slow down, they gotta move over, they gotta pay attention. Just give a damn about your fellow human being. Show some respect to the men and women who do this job on a daily basis.”
Carns, 35, was struck by a passing vehicle while removing debris on Interstate 55 near Channahon the night of Dec. 23, Illinois State Police said.
He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he died about an hour later, the Illinois State Police said. He served 11 years on the force. He’s survived by his wife, parents and two children, ages 2 and 3.
“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, and in this business when you’re dealing with very dangerous situations all the time, that type of trust is critical,” Kelly said. “They trusted trooper Carns with their lives.”
Among the crowd of mourners were dozens of officers from other departments, including the Indiana State Police, Chicago police and North Aurora police.
Carns’ family has received an outpouring of support. A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $270,000 as of Thursday evening.
John Fleet, 69, was charged with a Scott’s Law violation by the Will County state’s attorney. State police also issued multiple Illinois Vehicle Code citations to Fleet, but he was released from custody because “the offenses weren’t detainable,” officials said.
Scott’s Law, enacted in 2002, was named in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed while responding to an early morning traffic accident on the Bishop Ford Freeway on Dec. 23, 2000. The state was observing Scott’s Law Day the day Carns was struck.
The law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, displaying flashing lights. It also applies to any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. If changing lanes isn’t possible, vehicles must slow down and proceed with caution.
Kelly said the department is constantly looking to strengthen Scott’s Law, and Carn’s death is a reminder there is still work to be done to protect all who work on the expressways, including construction workers.
“We’re going to keep enforcing this law for as long as we have to, but we wish we didn’t have to, we wish we didn’t have to remind people,” Kelly said. “We wish people would just slow down and move over. That’s all it is. If you do that, you’re going to save somebody’s life.”
Carns' funeral will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at Parkview Christian Church.
Contributing: Mariah Rush
