Illinois State Police (ISP) officers and dozens of motorcycle riders and fun car drivers gathered on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at five sites throughout Illinois to participate in the 10th Annual Memorial Park Motorcycle and Fun Car Run. The Motorcycle Ride and Fun Car Run is organized annually to raise funds to build the Illinois State Police Memorial Park. Last year, more than 350 riders participated.

Motorcycle riders and Fun Car drivers met at 8:30 a.m. in Downers Grove; 10:30 a.m. in Dwight; 1:00 p.m. in Bloomington; 10:00 a.m. in O'Fallon and 1:30 p.m. in Carlinville. Motorcycles and Fun Cars departed from these locations and made a final stop at the ISP FOP Lodge 41 in Springfield. The riders on the route were escorted by police and Rescue Riders who are trained medical professionals and first responders.

ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz greeted the participants at the Downers Grove site, ISP District 15, 2700 Ogden Avenue. Director Schmitz was joined by Retired ISP First Deputy Director and Memorial Park Foundation Co-Chair Jack Garcia, who led the Motorcycle and Fun Car Run to the FOP Lodge in Springfield.
“This annual event draws participants from across Illinois and neighboring states to honor our fallen officers,” said ISP Director Leo Schmitz. “We will never forget our officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The ISP Memorial Park will serve as a place to honor and remember the lives and dedicated service of the fallen heroes of the Illinois State Police,” he added.