Illinois State Police, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, December 23, 2024
Reflections for Trooper Clay M. Carns
God rest your soul, Trooper Clay Carns. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.
Investigator Christopher Port (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Div. MAIT
December 24, 2024
God rest your soul, Trooper Clay Carns. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has 46 to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.
Investigator Christopher Port (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Div. MAIT
December 24, 2024
Dear Director Brendan F. Kelly:
I hope this reflection finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you, and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Trooper Clay M. Carns, a brave and dedicated lawman.
The news of Trooper Carns’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Carns’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.
In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Trooper Carns had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
To you, Director Kelly, and the entire Illinois State Police, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.
Having served 44+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.
May the memories of Trooper Carns, a brave and dedicated professional, be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.
With deepest sympathy,
Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)
December 24, 2024
Hero never forgotten. Prayers to family blood and blue.
BLR
Retired Texas dispatcher
December 24, 2024
My condolences and sympathies in this very sad moment for the loss of a remarkable human being, a Police Officer who dedicated his life to serve and protect his community . May God give strength to his family to bear this heart-wrenching pain, especially during the holidays. May God have mercy on his soul and embrace him in the gates of heaven. Farewell for now and we will see you later since everyone in this world will have to go through that road one way or another.
Rafael D Martinez USN veteran
US Navy Veteran
December 24, 2024
Rest in peace young Trooper
Thank you for protecting us
Brian Kiernan
US Army Military Police/VAPD
December 24, 2024
You were one of the men God sends us when we are in great need. The world is much less without you, braveheart. Thank you for the greatest sacrifice.
Patricia Harrison
December 24, 2024
Rest in Peace my brother.
Captain (Ret.) Bernard Flint
Department of Defense / Police Division
December 24, 2024
Rest in Peace Trooper Carns. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, coworkers and friends.
Lieutenant Robert T. Mote (ret)
Buena Park, CA Police Department
December 24, 2024
Rest in peace brother!
Scott Birch, Chief Investigator (Ret.)
Idaho Attorney General's Office
December 24, 2024
Trooper Clay M. Carns, My deepest condolences to your wife, children and parents who will have to grieve your loss. I thank you for your brave service to all of us. May God Bless you and keep you now. Rest In Peace, Brother.
Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department
Leesburg. FL
December 24, 2024
RIP
Major Robert Jenkins
North Bay Village PD
December 24, 2024
Rest In Peace, Trooper Carns. Thank you for your service.
May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time. May God stand in the gap of your absence and provide an extra measure of love and protection for your beloved children. May these precious children grow up knowing of your heroism.
God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.
Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement
December 24, 2024
May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Trooper Carns.
Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department
December 24, 2024
Requiescat in Paces
Sergeant (Retired) Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD
December 24, 2024
Rest, brother.
Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police
December 24, 2024
Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.
Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York
December 24, 2024