Knox County (Illinois) Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist, who died in the line of duty last year, is being honored for his service with a memorial highway.
Illinois State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, and State Rep. Dan Swanson, R-Alpha, recognized and honored Mr. Weist by promoting the passage of a measure that will memorialize a section of U.S. Route 150 from Galesburg to Alpha.
“Honoring the life of Deputy Nick Weist is a way to show our gratitude and respect for his sacrifice,” Mr. Halpin said in a news release. “This memorial highway will serve as a constant reminder that speaks to his selflessness, and demonstrates we will not forget his sacrifice in serving and protecting the community.”
Mr. Weist, 34, of Viola, Illinois, died April 29, 2022, when he was struck by a vehicle as he deployed spike strips during a pursuit of an armed subject, according to the release. He had served with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for four years, and previously served the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and Aledo Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father and sister.
“It is with great honor and humbleness that we can recognize Deputy Weist’s sacrifices for his community and his county,” said Rep. Swanson, in the release. “Designating in his honor the stretch of highway where he gave his life protecting the community is a small way of ensuring that we never forget his service and his sacrifice.”
The Illinois Senate approved House Joint Resolution 17 to name the highway in Mr. Weist’s honor with bipartisan support.
