‘Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Memorial Overpass’ Dedicated At Ceremony In St. Joseph

Dieterich, IL-(Effingham Radio)- State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) joined family, friends, members of the Illinois State Police and fellow lawmakers on Sunday, October 18, 2026, to honor the life and sacrifice of Trooper Corey Thompsen, who was tragically killed in the line of duty two years ago. The County Road 1900E overpass at Interstate 74 near St. Joseph was officially dedicated as the “Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Memorial Overpass.”

“Trooper Corey Thompsen dedicated his life to serving and protecting others and he impacted many lives while in uniform and out,” commented Rep. Niemerg. “He is deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him and this dedication will ensure his sacrifice is not forgotten.”

Senate Joint Resolution 42 passed in the General Assembly unanimously to help make this tribute possible in honoring the life of Illinois State Trooper Corey S. Thompsen of rural St. Joseph who was killed in the line of duty on October 18, 2024. 

Trooper Thompsen was just 28 years old and had served nearly five years with the Illinois State Police. He is survived by his wife Chelsea; his mother, Susan; his father Steve; and his brothers. Born in Urbana in 1996, Thompsen grew up in St. Joseph in rural Champaign County and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2014, where he was a four-year letter winner in cross country and track.

Corey Thompsen graduated from the criminal justice program at Danville Area Community College and then attended Western Illinois University, running cross country at both institutions. Thompsen then earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana State University in 2018. He married Chelsea Blaase in Tennessee June 2024.

Trooper Thompsen was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Troopers Lodge 41, the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Society, and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Trooper Thompsen was a family man who was always there when anyone needed him, a respected member of the Illinois State Police, and a friend to many.