Matt Sauter hopes to bridge the gap between his brother’s death and a life of service. 

Sauter, a junior studying criminal justice from Chicago Ridge, spoke Tuesday at a memorial dedication near the overpass where his brother James Sauter was killed. James was hit by a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel on March 28, 2013, Interstate 294 near Des Plaines.

The overpass was named ‘Trooper James Sauter Memorial Overpass.’

“I hope the sign can serve as a reminder when you see a squad car on the highway and you see flashing lights,” Matt said. “Your first instinct should be to move over. There’s a person in that car and they’re trying to do their job as safely as possible.”

Matt was a senior in high school when his brother was killed, and said his brother influenced him to become a state trooper.

He said James was influenced by their aunt, who is a retired colonel of the state police. Matt said he remembered instances when they were younger and James would wear her hat.

Wanting to educate people on driving safety laws, Matt said he wants to honor his brother’s dedication to service by keeping the public safe. 

“Helping people is the one thing I like to do most,” Matt said. “Being able to make a difference in someone’s life, whether it’s big or small, on a daily basis to keep people safe while driving … It just feels like I could be meant for this.”

Cory Ray can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @CoryRay_DE