BROCTON, IL (Chambana Today) – A stretch of Illinois Route 49 will soon carry the name of a beloved community leader as State Senator Chapin Rose will join local law enforcement officials and residents to dedicate it as the Roger “Buzz” Busby Memorial Highway. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m., 205 S. Graham Street in Brockton.
The section of highway being renamed, stretching from U.S. Route 36 to Illinois Route 133, was designated in honor of Busby’s lifetime of service to the people of Edgar County. Senator Rose spearheaded the effort by filing Senate Joint Resolution 17, which formally established the memorial highway as a tribute to Busby’s dedication to his community and his country.
Roger “Buzz” Busby, a U.S. Army veteran, was known for his decades of service in law enforcement and child welfare. He worked as a deputy sheriff and later served with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, focusing on protecting children and families in need. Widely regarded as “Mr. Edgar County,” Busby was also deeply involved in numerous civic organizations and was a respected figure throughout the region.
Speakers at the Dedication Ceremony
The ceremony will feature several key figures, including:
- Terry Hackett, Retired Illinois State Police
- David Neal, Retired Edgar County Sheriff’s Department
- Ed Motley, Retired Edgar County Sheriff’s Department
- State Senator Chapin Rose
The dedication of the Roger “Buzz” Busby Memorial Highway is expected to draw a large crowd from across Edgar County, with many coming to pay tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on their community. The ceremony is open to the public.