In remembrance of McHenry County fallen Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Keltner, State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) advanced a resolution this week that will name the interchange currently under construction at I-90 and Route 23 in Marengo as the “Deputy Jacob Keltner Memorial Interchange”.
Jacob Keltner was killed in the line of duty on March 7 as he attempted to serve an arrest warrant in Rockford as part of the U.S. Marshals’ Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The following week thousands of mourners attended funeral services, while hundreds of others lined McHenry County streets and highways as an 800-car police procession led the fallen hero to a Huntley funeral home for final services.
“Deputy Kelter leaves behind a wife, two young children, and a grieving but grateful community,” said Reick. “His death brought the community together and heightened awareness of just how fortunate we all are to have brave public servants like Jake Keltner who put themselves in harm’s way so we can be safe.”
Funding for the $33.4 million project was approved in the fall of 2018. Completion for the project was listed for 2019, but weather delays may push completion to 2020.
“The designation of this interchange in Deputy Keltner’s name will serve as a reminder of his valor and service and illustrates the profound appreciation for his dedication to duty and that of other first responders.”
HJR 66 moved to the Senate on Monday for concurrence.