Chambana Sun

Rep. Mike Marron (R-Danville) took to Facebook to mark Illinois State Trooper Day on April 1, honoring the 101 years of service by the Illinois State Police.

"Illinois State Trooper Day - Saturday, April 1," he wrote. "Thank you to the Illinois State Police for 101 years of 'Integrity, Service, Pride' – We are proud to honor our Illinois State Troopers today and every day for the work they do protecting our home. Happy Illinois State Trooper Day!"

The Illinois State Police was founded 101 years ago - in 1922. Then it was called "Illinois Highway Maintenance Police," according to the state police website. The new patrol force was focused on safeguarding the citizens of Illinois and "protect the new 'hard roads' from damage due to overweight vehicles," as there were only about 1,000 miles of paved road then in Illinois. 

Peoria, LaSalle, Kankakee, Danville, and Granite City served as the first “districts,” the website said. in 1954, ISP was named “the Illinois State Highway Police Department of Public Safety," and In 1957, a new law allowed for 1,100 full-time officers and 100 officers contracted to the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. The name “Illinois State Police” didn’t come to the department until 1988.

Lt. Gov. Julia Stratton also wrote a message to congratulate ISP on 101 years. 

"April 1 is Illinois State Trooper Day, a day to honor the dedicated men and women of the @ILStatePolice. Thank you for your steadfast service and sacrifice," she wrote.

According to his House biography, Marron is the owner and operator of a small business and family farm in Vermillion County, where he also served in Congress, representing District 2. He was a member of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s transition team on agriculture issues, and previously served as the chair of the Danville Family YMCA fundraising campaign, as well as several other groups.