State Police operation to honor Vernon Hills trooper killed in crash

A special operation focusing on commercial motor vehicle safety honors a Vernon Hills state trooper who was killed on duty three years ago.

For 24 hours beginning Monday, March 28, Illinois State Police statewide will "aggressively" patrol roadways and enforce safe driving as part of the third annual "Operation Sauter" in remembrance of Trooper James Sauter, according to a news release.

Sauter, 28, from Vernon Hills, was killed March 28, 2013, when a fatigued semitrailer truck driver hit his squad car as it was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 294.

State police will check commercial motor vehicle drivers' logbooks, where they are required to document the number of hours they drive, officials said. They are not allowed to exceed 70 hours per week. Police said they also will be watching for speeders, DUIs, distracted drivers and those not wearing seat belts.

Sauter also was honored last year when state officials renamed the Willow Road overpass in Des Plaines after him.