The spouse of a Knox County Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty will continue to receive his salary.
Nicholas Weist, 34, of Viola, was killed April 29 near Alpha in rural Henry County.
The deputy was setting spike strips in the road to stop a car chase that morning when he was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.
Life-saving measures were performed, but Weist died at the scene.
Knox County board chairman Jared Hawkinson called it a “tragic loss.”
The state’s Line of Duty Compensation Act addresses the benefits made available to the families of fallen officers, but there can be delays in families receiving that compensation.
Hawkinson said that’s because of the documentation required.
But Knox County officials wanted to ensure Weist’s wife and two children are provided for until then.
The Knox County board unanimously approved a resolution to continue Weist’s salary for one year from the date of his death, or until the other compensation kicks in.
Knox County Sheriff David Clague, several deputies in uniform, and other members of the Fraternal Order of Police lined the back wall of the meeting as Hawkinson read the resolution and the board voted.
“We thank you and the board,” Clague said after the vote. “Thank you and the board.”
Daylon Richardson, 22, of Granite City is charged with murder in the deputy’s death. Richardson has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.
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