Every year, IACP and Motorola Solutions recognize state troopers and provincial police who have demonstrated bravery, courage, leadership, and professionalism. At the annual Division Midyear meeting, the IACP and Motorola Solutions honor four regional finalists, and announce the 2019 IACP/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year. This year, due to the unexpected circumstances of COVID-19, the Trooper of the Year Award will be presented virtually at the October Annual IACP Conference in New Orleans.
There were many submissions detailing the courageous, dedicated acts of troopers in state and provincial agencies that exemplify what it means to serve and protect their communities. Leading up to the IACP’s National Conference in October, Motorola Solutions and the IACP will recognize the 2019 Trooper of the Year finalists from each region.
One of the finalists to highlight, from the IACP State and Provincial Police North Central Region, is Trooper Kyle Seger Illinois State Police. Read and watch his courageous story below, which exemplifies why he was the North Central Region finalist for the 2019 Trooper of the Year Award.
On March 16, 2019 at 3:45 p.m., a suspect committed a robbery at the Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon, Illinois. After fleeing the scene, the suspect pulled a handgun and fired at a good Samaritan attempting to stop him. The suspect attempted to carjack someone in the parking lot of PetSmart, however was unsuccessful. The suspect then approached another vehicle on foot to attempt another carjacking. The suspect was successful in carjacking the second vehicle and fled from the scene.
Trooper Kyle Seger was on his way to end his shift at 4:00 p.m. when he heard the emergency radio broadcast detailing the robbery and carjacking. Trooper Seger located the suspect on Interstate 55 North. The suspect then made a U-turn and began traveling against the flow of traffic. Trooper Seger continued to pursue the suspect through oncoming traffic. The suspect then exited the interstate, continuing the high-speed pursuit through Staunton, Illinois.
The pursuit ended shortly thereafter when the suspect took the Interstate 55 South entrance ramp. He drove down into the wet median, where his vehicle became stuck in the mud. The suspect then exited the vehicle on foot, as did Trooper Seger, and a short foot-chase ensued. The suspect then turned and fired his handgun at Trooper Seger, striking the trooper in both hands. Trooper Seger returned fire and the suspect was killed in the exchange.
Trooper Seger utilized his training and put his own life at risk in order to protect the public from an extremely dangerous and potentially deadly individual. Motorola Solutions thanks and congratulates Trooper Seger for his dedication, service and being a finalist for the 2019 Trooper of the Year Award.
