Lt. Randy Hilliard was pronounced dead at the scene, several transported to hospital for injuries.
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OGLE COUNTY — An longtime Ogle County Sheriff's Department officer died after a head-on collision early Saturday morning.
On Saturday, July 28 at approximately 1:27 a.m., the Illinois State
Police responded to a traffic crash on IL Route 72 at Oak Court in Ogle County.
ISP troopers arrived and found a 2003 Dodge pickup had been traveling eastbound
on IL Route 72. A 2007 Jeep SUV, was traveling westbound on IL Route 72 at Oak Court when the Dodge crossed the center line striking the Jeep head on.
The driver of the Dodge, Randall L. Hilliard, 50, from Byron, a lieutenant with the sheriff's department, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was off duty at the time of the collision.
The driver of the Jeep, Rick A. Sgro, 51, from Oregon, was transported to SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford along with two other passengers, Allison R. Sgro, 24, from Mount
Morris, and Abigail E. Sgro, 20, from Mount Morris. A third passenger in the Jeep, Daniel W. Merritt, 20, from Gering, Neb., was transported to Mercyhealth Hospital in Rockford.
The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and the crash investigation is on-going. ISP was assisted on the scene by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Ogle County
Coroner’s Office, Byron Fire/EMS, Stillman Valley Fire/EMS and Maggio’s Towing.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle released the following statement on the department's Facebook page:
It is with deep regret and profound sadness I wish to inform you of the passing of Lt. Randy Hilliard. Randy passed away this morning from injuries sustained in a two vehicle accident while off duty on IL Rt 72 just outside of Byron.
Randy began his career with the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office on February 6, 1991 as a Correctional Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant and later Lieutenant holding many different positions within the Office. Randy will be deeply missed by his family at the Sheriff’s Office but more importantly his family at home. I would ask during this very difficult time you keep Randy’s wife, children, parents and siblings in your thoughts and prayers.
The occupants of the second vehicle were extended members of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office.
Again please keep the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office family, Hilliard family and Sgro family in your thoughts and prayers
