SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, a resolution co-sponsored by State Representative Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) to honor the fallen Wayne County Deputy Sean Riley was adopted in the House. House Joint Resolution 66 filed by Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) honors the life of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley (End of Watch: December 29th, 2021) by creating the Deputy Sean Riley Memorial Highway on Interstate 64 in downstate Wayne County from Mile Post 112 to 116.
“Police officers and police families give so much to our communities without a guarantee they will make it back home after every patrol,” said Rep. Stephens. “Deputy Riley was killed in the line of duty and his life was taken from him and his family. This resolution will memorialize the place where he ended his watch and be a reminder for all who travel through Wayne County of the hero that worked to keep it safe. This loss was felt from Wayne County to Cook County and it was a privilege to be part of this important resolution.”
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Riley was shot and killed in the line of duty after he responded to assist a motorist on I-64 near the 115 mile marker at around 5:00 a.m. on December 29th, 2021. He served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for three years and was 38 years old when he was killed. Deputy Riley is survived by his wife, children, father, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and additional extended family.
“As this resolution will be considered by the Senate, let’s take time to think of the police families who live without the guarantee that their loved ones will come home,” Rep. Stephens continued. “Thank a police officer or police family today and remember their sacrifice to keep our communities safe.”
HJR 66 passed the House unanimously with 109 votes in favor of the resolution. Rep. Stephens is a member of the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committee where the bill was originally heard, as well as a member of the House Police & Fire Committee.