Back in December of 1968, a Schuyler County native and an Illinois State Trooper was tragically killed in the line of duty when an oncoming vehicle struck him while he was assisting a stranded motorist. A veteran who served his country in central Europe in World War II, the memory of Trooper Farrar was mostly lost to history until Lt. Brad Lacey, Commander, District 20 of the Illinois State Police, rediscovered his story. Lt. Lacey brought Senator Sullivan the idea of naming Highway 103 in Schuyler County the Trooper Floyd J. Farrar Memorial Highway as a way to commemorate the life and service of this local war hero and outstanding law enforcement officer.
“I can’t wait to see signs go up on Route 103 honoring Trooper Farrar for his life of service to this state and nation,” Sullivan said. “Trooper Farrar risked his life for his country and gave his life while helping others, and it’s my pleasure to help keep the memory of his contributions alive in western Illinois.”
Click below to read the news release.
NEWS
From the Illinois State Senate
State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2012
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 217-782-0663
SULLIVAN HONORS TROOPER FLOYD FARRAR
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D – Rushville), honored the late Trooper Floyd J. Farrar last week as he sponsored a resolution that will rename Highway 103 in Schuyler County the Trooper Floyd J. Farrar Memorial Highway.
Trooper Farrar was killed by an oncoming vehicle while assisting a motorist along Route 103 on December 17, 1968. He was 51 at the time of his death and had served 23 years with the Illinois State Police. Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, Trooper Farrar was a member of the Illinois National Guard and attained the rank of Sergeant with the 354th Infantry in central Europe during the World War II.
“Trooper Farrar was a war hero and an outstanding law enforcement officer from our community,” Sen. Sullivan said. “It’s fitting that we honor in a permanent, visible way his sacrifice in the line of duty.”
Floyd Farrar was raised in Pleasant View and attended high school in Rushville, then worked at the Big Four Coal Mine before enlisting with the National Guard. Returning home after the war, he raised two children, James and Susan, with his wife, Christine (Hunter) Farrar.
Prior to the resolution passing unanimously on the Senate floor, Sen. Sullivan spoke about Trooper Farrar’s life and his contributions. Sullivan also thanked Lt. Brad Lacey, Commander, District 20 of the Illinois State Police, who brought the proposal to his attention.
“I can’t wait to see signs go up on Route 103 honoring Trooper Farrar for his life of service to this state and nation,” Sullivan said. “Trooper Farrar risked his life for his country and gave his life while helping others, and it’s my pleasure to help keep the memory of his contributions alive in western Illinois.”
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