Funeral arrangements for fallen Illinois trooper Nick Hopkins
WATERLOO, Ill. (KMOX) — Flowers, balloons and mementos in honor of fallen Illinois State Trooper Nicholas Hopkins are accumulating around his patrol car as people pay their respects to the Waterloo native.
ISP posted these images to Facebook Monday with the text, "Trooper Nick Hopkins #6141 Illinois State Police SWAT Hero. Husband. Father. Brother. Son. Friend. Teammate. End of Watch 8-23-19."
A procession took place Monday to transport Hopkins' body from Saint Louis University Hospital to Waterloo.
Waterloo will pay tribute to Hopkins Thursday night, Aug. 29, with a candlelight vigil at the field where he played football for the Bulldogs prior to graduating in 2004.
The gathering will take place at 8 p.m. at the old high school football field at Hamacher and Rogers Streets. Those attending the event are being asked to bring their own candles and lighters.
A visitation will be held from 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Waterloo High School, with a first responder and military walkthrough beginning at 6 p.m. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, also at the high school.
Hopkins leaves behind his wife, Whitney, and three young children.
Those who want to make a donation to the family of Hopkins can do so by visiting the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation website and indicating Trooper Nick Hopkins Memorial Fund in the comment section.
Monday, the St. Clair County State's Attorney issued charges of first-degree murder against 45-year-old Christopher Grant, of East St. Louis. Grant is being held on a $5M bond at St. Clair County jail.
