CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Next week’s Workers Memorial Day ceremony in Champaign will honor two Illinois State Police troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Troopers Corey Thompsen and Todd Hanneken will be remembered during the service, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday at Dodds Park, located at 1501 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign.
Thompsen and Hanneken were both based at the Pesotum post and died after traffic accidents while on duty in rural Champaign County in 2024 and 2021, respectively.
The ceremony is part of the numerous Workers Memorial Day events happening across the country.
This observance began in 1970 with the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Each year, the AFL-CIO of Champaign County and the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council organize these local ceremonies to emphasize the importance of improving workplace safety for everyone.
Trooper Thompson, 28, lived and grew up in St. Joseph, and is survived by his wife Chelsea, mother Susan, father Steve and brothers.
Trooper Hanneken, 45, of Long Creek, was the son of a retired state trooper and spent 20 years with the state police. He is survived by his wife Shelley and two sons, Ben and Nick.
“Both officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community,” said Matt Kelly, president of the AFL-CIO of Champaign County. “We appreciate their bravery and selflessness and are eternally grateful for their service.”
Copyright 2025. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.
