Proceeds to Benefit Construction of ISP Memorial Park

SPRINGFIELD—Dozens of motorcycle riders and fun car drivers will gather on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at five sites throughout Illinois to participate in the 9^th Annual ISP Memorial Park Motorcycle Ride and Fun Car Run.  The Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation sponsors this event annually to raise funds to build the Illinois State Police Memorial Park.  Last year, more than 350 riders participated.

Registration will take place at each location prior to departure.  Participants will depart from Downers Grove at 9:30 a.m.; Dwight at 11:00 a.m.; Bloomington at 1:30 p.m.; O’Fallon at 10:00 a.m.; and Carlinville at 2:30 p.m.  Their final stop will be at the ISP FOP Lodge 41 in Springfield. The riders will be escorted by police officers and representatives from the Shriners and Rescue Riders.

ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz will greet the riders before the 9:30 a.m. departure at ISP District 15, 2700 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove.  Director Schmitz will be joined by Retired ISP First Deputy Director and ISP Memorial Park Foundation Co-Chair Jack Garcia, who will lead the Motorcycle and Fun Car Run from ISP District 15 in Downers Grove to FOP Lodge 41 in Springfield.

“This annual event draws participants from Illinois and beyond to show support for our fallen officers,” said Director Schmitz. “The honor and courage of these officers who made the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. The ISP Memorial Park will honor their brave service,” he added.

This year, more than 20 specialty baskets which were donated by ISP work units and an ATV will be raffled to support the fund-raising efforts.  All proceeds will benefit the Illinois State Police Memorial Park.

The 1.5 acre park was donated to the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation in September of 2007, and construction plans are underway to build a Police Memorial dedicated to honoring the sacrifice and service of the fallen ISP heroes.  More than 65 ISP officers have given the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Illinois. The Memorial Park will serve as a place of peace and comfort for those who have lost a family member or friend.  It will also serve as a public gathering site for visitors to remember the brave heroes.

The Memorial was designed by Knight Engineers & Architects in collaboration with the Illinois State Police and Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation.  Those interested in contributing can find out more about the Memorial and the ISP Heritage Foundation at www.ISPHF.org or call 217/525-1922.