(WAND) — Last week, Illinois State Police Troopers from Troop 10 celebrated the birthday of a retired sergeant who is only a year younger than the agency itself.
Retired ISP Sergeant Sam Garnati celebrated his 100th birthday. He was born in 1923, just one year after the Illinois State Police was authorized by the state of Illinois.
According to a post from Troop 10, Sergeant Garnati served for nearly 34 years, first joining in 1949. He spent his entire career in the southern part of the state, District 13.
Garnati was promoted to corporal in 1961 and then sergeant in 1965. He retired that same year.
In addition to his service with ISP, he was in the United States Army and spent a tour in the European theatre during World War II.
“ISP as an agency is only one-and-a-half years older than Sergeant Garnati,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Our century long lifespans have shared a common theme, and that theme is the motto of the Illinois State Police – Integrity, Service, and Pride. I wish Sam a very happy belated birthday and thank him for his dedication and service to this country and the people of Illinois.”
Sergeant Garnati graduated from Cadet Class 8. In December, new troopers will graduate from Cadet Classes 144 and 145.
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