Illinois Honors Fallen Snowplow Fleet Driver
Government buildings are flying their flags at half-mast through Friday in tribute to a state snowplow fleet driver killed in the line of duty Feb. 14.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn advised government facilities and offices in the state to fly their flags at half-mast this week to honor Michael Holmes, an Illinois Department of Transportation snowplow driver who died on duty Feb. 14 after a car struck him.
"I am ordering the state’s flags to be flown at half-staff so all Illinois citizens can be reminded of Michael’s dedication and sacrifice," Quinn said in a released statement.
The 49-year-old driver was hit after he stepped out of his truck, reports the Peoria Journal Star. The collision occurred just after 9:30 a.m., about two miles west of Toulon on Illinois Route 17. Holmes was transported to Kewanee Hospital and pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m.
"Michael Holmes is a hero," Quinn said. "He gave his life while making our roads safer for his fellow citizens. Michael selflessly faced challenging conditions every winter since 2007 so the rest of us could arrive safely at our destinations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow employees during this difficult time."
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