August 29, 2025
ISP Command Officers Association Applauds Creation of Care for Retired Police Dogs Program
Springfield, IL – The Illinois State Police Command Officers Association (ISPCOA) is proud to announce the enactment of Public Act 104-276, sponsored by Representative Tom Weber and Senator Napoleon Harris III, which officially establishes the Care for Retired Police Dogs Program.
This important new program ensures that retired law enforcement K-9s receive proper care, support, and medical attention after their service to Illinois communities. Police K-9s are valued members of law enforcement teams, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. This program recognizes their lifelong contributions and provides for their well-being in retirement.
Key Details of the Program:
The Care for Retired Police Dogs Program will be funded through proceeds from the existing Illinois Police K-9 Memorial License Plate.
To activate the program, 2,000 preorders of the K-9 Memorial License Plate are required, demonstrating public support for both active and retired police dogs.
Funds will go directly to programs and services that support retired K-9’s medical expenses.
The University of Illinois will oversee the program by selecting a qualified not-for-profit organization to administer it.
Illinois residents can preorder the plate using the Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 978: Download Form VSD 978 (PDF).
“Police K-9s dedicate their lives to protecting communities alongside their human partners,” said ISPCOA President Steve Lyddon. “This program ensures that when their service ends, these incredible animals are cared for and honored appropriately.”
The ISPCOA encourages Illinois residents, law enforcement supporters, and K-9 enthusiasts to pre-order their Illinois Police K-9 Memorial License Plates using Form VSD 978 to help launch the Care for Retired Police Dogs Program and ensure these heroes receive the support they deserve.
https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/vsd978.pdf
For more information, please visit www.ispcoa.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2025
Illinois State Police Command Officers Association Applauds Passage of Public Act 104-0400
Springfield, IL – The Illinois State Police Command Officers Association (ISP COA) is proud to recognize the passage of Public Act 104-0400, a critical piece of legislation designed to enhance roadway safety and provide greater protections for emergency responders and the public. The Act was championed by Senator Julie A. Morrison and Representative Jay Hoffman, whose leadership ensured strong bipartisan support.
Public Act 104-0400 strengthens Illinois’ “Move Over” requirements by making it clear that motorists must:
- Yield the right-of-way to any authorized emergency vehicle that is actively engaged in work on a highway, whether stationary or in motion, and displaying flashing lights.
- Yield to emergency workers who are clearly and actively working on a highway at an emergency scene, as well as pedestrians directly involved in the emergency response.
“These provisions are not only about compliance with the law—they are about saving lives,” said ISPCOA President Steve Lyddon. “Every year, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and roadside workers are injured or killed because drivers fail to slow down or move over. This law provides stronger protections and makes expectations unmistakably clear for Illinois motorists.”
The ISP COA applauds Senator Morrison and Representative Hoffman for their dedication to protecting first responders and ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in roadway safety.
“This Act reflects the mission of the ISP COA: to promote and support the enactment of just and reasonable laws affecting the law enforcement profession,” added ISPCOA President Lyddon. “We are grateful for the commitment of our legislative partners and the governor in advancing this vital reform.”