West Central Reporter

State Sen. Steve McClure recently announced the dedication of a section of Route 121 to honor Trooper Todd Hanneken.

“Trooper Hanneken dedicated his life to serving his community and his state,” McClure said on his website. “It’s important to honor his service and dedication, so he can continue to inspire others.” 

Hanneken was a lifelong Illinois resident and a second generation state trooper, which was one of his main goals in life, according to the obituary published by Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Directors. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Shelley and two sons, his parents and brother. 

The News-Gazette reported that Hanneken died while on duty after his car ran off the road and crashed, citing the Champaign County Coroner. The reason for the crash is unknown. 

On March 25, 2021, he was on a 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift and driving on Illinois 10 in Bondville, in his Ford Explorer squad vehicle. He had his seatbelt on. The accident report reveals that his SUV went more than 390 feet off the road before hitting a tree, including crossing three driveways and going airborne, the news report said.

Hanneken’s name was added to the Illinois State Police Memorial Wall according to The Pantagraph. 

Senate Joint Resolution 00028 renames the portion of Illinois Route 121 from the Macon/Moultrie County line to the intersection of Route 121 and Route 36 in Decatur as the "Trooper Todd Hanneken Memorial Highway.” The resolution was sponsored in the Senate by Sens. McClure, Sally J. Turner, Jason Plummer and Chapin Rose. It was filed on March 9 and moved to the House of Representatives on May 19. It passed the House on May 24. 

Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur), chief sponsor of the bill in the House, issued a statement on the passage of SJR 00028 in the House of Representatives.

“Todd Hanneken was a second-generation State Trooper, he served honorably. Trooper Hanneken’s service to the State of Illinois will not be forgotten,” Caulkins said in the release. “His memory will be forever enshrined in our community by dedicating a portion of our local highway in his honor.” 

McClure has represented the 54th Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly since 2019. He is a lifelong Illinois resident. He attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate studies before returning to Illinois for his master's degree and later earning a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana.