CHICAGO (CBS) — A bridge that was the scene of a state trooper’s death 15 years ago has been re-named in his honor.
Trooper Tony Millison crashed his squad car on the icy Thornton-Blue Island I-57 overpass on Oct. 27, 1997.
Others had crashed too, and Millison, according to the state police, was helping them, despite being injured himself.
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Then a van approached, skidding on the ice.
Millison tried to get out of the way and ended up falling 47 feet to his death.
His family says its an honor to know Millison will always be remembered.
“Our hearts are filled with joy knowing that we will always be reminded of my father’s legacy,” said Millison’s son, Marcus.
Millison was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant immediately following the tragedy.
A sign naming the bridge has been placed on the overpass.
Millison served in the United States Air Force for six years, and worked as a correctional officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center for eight years.
Millison joined the Illinois State Police in 1987, after receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1986 from the University of Chicago.
