Parts of I-55 to be named in memory of fallen officers

Posted on June 10, 2018

By Crystal Donaldson

BLOOMINGTON – Parts of Interstate 55 may be getting new names.

Sen. Bill Brady sponsored a resolution to change the overpass at Towanda Exit 171 to ‘Officer Patrick Michael Righi Barnard Memorial Overpass’.

In 2004 Officer Barnard was killed by a hit and run driver the night before Thanksgiving while helping a stranded motorist.

Sen. Brady says he hopes the overpass will serve as a reminder of Officer Barnard’s ultimate sacrifice in service of others.

Barnard’s parents were present in the senate gallery for the resolution.

Thanks to Sen. Jason Barickman, I-55 between exits 167 and 171 could be named ‘Sgt. Anthony R. Maddox Memorial Highway’.

Sgt. Maddox died July 22, 2013 after suffering injuries in Afghanistan.

Sen. Barickman says he hopes the memorial will allow Maddox’s dedication and sacrifice to inspire future generations.

This legislation has moved to the House for consideration.

Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].

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