In Chicago, a somber anniversary was observed on Tuesday as the city remembered Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who tragically lost his life 25 years ago in a highway accident. Gillen’s untimely death on the Dan Ryan Expressway sparked the creation of “Scott’s Law,” a crucial piece of legislation mandating that drivers move over for emergency vehicles.
This Tuesday was designated as Scott’s Law Day in Illinois, a day that serves as a poignant reminder of both the dangers faced by first responders and the importance of road safety. To commemorate this milestone, Truck Company 27, alongside the Chicago Fire Department, held a special ceremony honoring Scott’s memory and his enduring impact.
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“At least his legacy is here, and he’s saving a lot of people’s lives, so that was the big thing, you know, save lives,” shared Don Gillen, Scott’s brother, reflecting on the life-saving law that bears Scott’s name.
The tragic incident occurred on December 23, 2000, when Scott was struck by a drunk driver while attending to a highway crash. It is a moment etched in the memories of those who knew him, especially his older brother, Matt Gillen, who was on duty at the time and recalls hearing the distress call that fateful day.
It has been 25 years since the tragedy that happened on December 23, 2000. That’s when an intoxicated motorist struck Scott as he responded to a crash.
Scott’s older brother, Matt Gillen, who was also on the job back then, remembers hearing the distress call.
“So, I was waiting to hear something, like, ‘Come on Scott, come on Scott, respond,’ and he didn’t respond, and that’s when we heard a fireman was hit and down,” he said.
Scott’s Law requires all drivers to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. Then-Illinois Gov. George Ryan signed the law in August 2001.
Since then, the Move Over Law has been strengthened, increasing fines up to $10,000 and adding penalties of possible license suspension and felony charges. It also now includes construction zones, along with emergency or roadside vehicles.
According to Illinois State Police, in 2024, the most recent year data is available, there were 135 reported Scott’s Law violations, which resulted in 27 crashes, injuring 12 ISP troopers and killing one trooper.
Trooper Clay Carns was killed on the 24th anniversary of the incident that led to Scott’s Law.
The 35-year-old husband and father of two was hit by a passing motorist on southbound Interstate 55 near Channahon as he removed debris from the roadway.
John Fleet, the driver charged in the crash, heads back to court next month.
“Respect first responders, our police, our state troopers, our firefighters and paramedics because they want to go home to their families too,” said CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.
People at Tuesday’s small ceremony say it is important not to forget the loss of Scott Gillen, but it is also important to honor the legacy his sacrifice creates for the future.
They hope awareness about the law will grow in order to save more lives.
