April 29 will now forever be Deputy Nicholas Weist Day in Knox County.
That’s the day one year ago the Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed in the line of duty on U.S. Route 150 near Alpha.
He was laying spike strips in the road to stop a car chase that started in Galesburg that morning when he was struck and killed by the suspect’s vehicle.
It’s likely Weist’s actions saved the lives of children.
Less than a mile away, AlWood Elementary School students were crossing the same highway to get to school.
The Knox County Board approved a resolution Wednesday that permanently designates April 29 as Deputy Nicholas Weist Day.
“All citizens of Knox County are encouraged to remember the sacrifice of Deputy Nicholas Weist this day and to keep his memory alive by thanking those that protect and keep us safe,” said Knox County Board Chair Jared Hawkinson, reading from the resolution.
Weist was first law enforcement officer from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office ever killed in the line of duty.
There are also efforts underway on the state level to rename the stretch of highway between Galesburg and Alpha after Weist.
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