Carbondale Reporter

Marion, IL – State Senator Dale Fowler and Representatives Paul Jacobs and Patrick Windhorst came together on Wednesday to pay tribute to fallen police officer Brian Pierce Jr. A dedication ceremony was held at the Spillertown Community Center to honor Officer Pierce Jr. following the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 31 (SJR 31) in his memory.

Officer Brian Pierce Jr. was tragically killed while carrying out his duties as a police officer in the Metro East area. Senator Fowler spoke about the impact that Officer Pierce Jr. had on the community, stating, "Brian was a valuable asset to southern Illinois, especially with his assistance in constructing a police department in Spillertown which had not existed for more than a decade. Because of his service, we must honor his positive impact on public safety and never forget his service to his community and the entire region."

Officer Pierce Jr. lost his life on August 4, 2021, while working for the Village of Brooklyn. He was deploying stop sticks to stop a fleeing vehicle when the tragic incident occurred. Representative Windhorst highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of officers like Pierce Jr., stating, "Our world is a better, safer, more peaceful and just place because Officers like Brian Pierce Jr. step into the breach on our behalf, offering their time, their bodies, and their lives to stop dangerous criminals and keep all of us safe."

In recognition of Officer Pierce Jr.'s service and sacrifice, Senator Fowler and Representatives Jacobs and Windhorst passed SJR 31 during the Spring Legislative Session. This resolution designates a section of Illinois Route 37 from Longstreet Road to Prosperity Road through Spillertown as the "Officer Brian Pierce Jr. Memorial Highway."

Representative Jacobs emphasized the importance of constructing memorial highway signs to remind citizens of the peace and safety they enjoy. He stated, "I believe it is critical that we continue to construct memorial highway signs where appropriate because our citizens who live in peace and safety should be reminded of why that is the case. We honor Officer Pierce today and we will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers, as his loss is surely felt close in their hearts to this very day."

Officer Brian Pierce Jr. was not only a dedicated police officer but also a valued member of the community. He graduated from Elkville High School and served on the Elkville Fire Department. He also worked as a correctional officer at the Menard Correctional Facility and spent time training younger firefighters at the Makanda Township Fire Department.

The dedication ceremony at the Spillertown Community Center served as a poignant reminder of Officer Brian Pierce Jr.'s commitment to his community and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty. The newly designated "Officer Brian Pierce Jr. Memorial Highway" on Illinois Route 37 will stand as a lasting tribute to his memory and the impact he had on public safety in southern Illinois.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://reppauljacobs.com/2023/11/02/sen-fowler-and-reps-jacobs-and-windhorst-honor-fallen-officer-brian-pierce-jr/