McClure Passes Legislation to Honor Local Fallen Trooper

A section of Route 121 will soon be known as the “Trooper Todd Hanneken Memorial Highway,” due to legislation filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) in the Senate and sponsored by Representative Dan Caulkins in the House.

“Trooper Hanneken dedicated his life to serving his community and his state,” said Senator McClure. “It’s important to honor his service and dedication, so he can continue to inspire others.”

Todd Hanneken was a graduate of Mt. Zion High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University in 1999. In 2001, he married Michelle Jean “Shelley” Hillman.

“Our family would like to thank the chief sponsors of this resolution, Senator McClure and Representative Caulkins, and others who ensured this was adopted,” said Shelley Hanneken. “Todd’s legacy will always be about helping the community and we can think of no better place to honor him than the road that goes through his hometown. We continue to honor Todd for how he lived his life-with integrity, service, and pride.”

In 2000, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a second-generation state trooper as part of cadet class 100. He served as a trooper in District 15 in Downers Grove, then he was transferred back closer to home to District 10 in Pesotum.

As a state trooper, Hanneken received several professional honors. In his personal life, he was a dedicated to his family and friends, as well as serving his hometown of Mt. Zion.

Trooper Hanneken lost his life in a car accident on March 25th, 2021.

“Todd Hanneken was a second-generation State Trooper, he served honorably,” said Representative Caulkins. “Trooper Hanneken’s service to the State of Illinois will not be forgotten. His memory will be forever enshrined in our community by dedicating a portion of our local highway in his honor.”

Senate Joint Resolution 28, which passed both the Illinois Senate and House, will dedicate Route 121, from the Macon-Moultrie County line to Route 36 in Decatur as the “Trooper Todd Hanneken Memorial Highway.”

Steve McClure

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