Political Quotes

“Madam President, on April 1, 2022, the Illinois State Police--ISP--will mark 100 years since its founding. Its work and dedication to making a safer Illinois is one of pride and integrity. I want to take a moment to reflect on the ISP's century of service. A little more than a century ago, Illinoisans no longer wanted to be stuck in the mud. The year was 1921. The Department of Public Works and Buildings reported nearly 1,100 miles of paved road in service, and that number was growing. But the State was still filled with dirt roads, and Illinois voters approved a new road system. The Age of the Automobile led the State of Illinois to undertake one of the largest building programs in the country. It also meant these roads and drivers needed to be protected. On April 1, 1922, the 52nd General Assembly approved the creation of the Illinois Highway Maintenance Police to do just that. Today, they are known as the Illinois State Police. The name has changed. The mission has expanded. But the dedication of the ISP has not. The ISP started out with just eight officers. Equipped with mismatched and self-constructed World War I surplus uniforms and motorcycles, they set out to enforce the weight laws of the State and protect the growing highway system. The first headquarters was at the residence of John J. Stack, the ISP's first director. The building also was its first mechanic garage. From these modest beginnings, the ISP would grow and evolve every year.…”