Former State Police officer dies, leaves legacy in new officers

DALTON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Law enforcement in Central Illinois is mourning the passing of a former State Police officer whose legacy will live on in the many police officers serving the region today.

Retired Colonel Tad Williams passed away on Saturday at the age of 57 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was at his home and surrounded by family as he died.

“Our entire family is heartbroken, but we are comforted to know that he is with Jesus and at peace,” his daughter Tawni Williams-Stroud wrote on Facebook. “We love you, Dad.”

Several law enforcement agencies, including the Mt. Zion Police Department, shared her post to pay their respects and condolences.

Williams served in law enforcement for 33 years, most of which were in the Illinois State Police in different divisions and commands. He eventually became an ISP Colonel and in 2015, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Division of Operations, which makes up 88% of the Illinois State…