Community honors fallen DeKalb County Sheriff's Deputy Christina Musil, remembered for service
35-year-old leaves behind 3 young children
DeKALB, Ill. (WLS) -- The visitation and funeral for fallen DeKalb County sheriff's Deputy Christina Musil was held Thursday, and thousands attended from across the state.
Musil was killed last Thursday, when police say a truck ran off the road and crashed into the back of her squad car.
The lifelong servant was remembered for her compassion, duty and love of country.
The public visitation was held at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in DeKalb, and the ring of bagpipes and drums and notes of "Amazing Grace" echoed in the building.
Law enforcement from near and far paid their respects to the fallen deputy. Some laid sunflowers at the foot of her American-flag-draped casket.
Deputy Musil's life was defined by service.
She first served her country as a military police officer, in the Army National Guard, even completing a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Then, she served her community for five years as a DeKalb deputy.
"Christina demonstrated honor, integrity and bravery," DeKalb County Sheriff Andrew Sullivan said. "May her death remind us that we must never take our safety for granted and our freedoms do not come without a price."
But her most important act of service was to her three children, known to those she loved, as "Beana."
"She was a role model and endless source of love and support to the world. She was a protector, a hero," her older sister Bridgette Caporaso said Thursday. "Your departure has left a void that will never be filled, but your spirit will forever light my path."
As Deputy Musil was moved to her final resting place, the outpouring show of support and patriotism from the community was on full display in DeKalb County.
"You are a true hero. You will not be forgotten, and your memory will live on through your family," Sullivan said.
Nathan P. Sweeney, 44, of DeKalb has been charged with reckless homicide and DUI in connection with the 35-year-old's death.
Sweeney was initially cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in the crash that killed the deputy while she was on-duty.
Illinois State Police said they conducted a traffic crash investigation at the request of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and determined Sweeney was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.
The DeKalb County State's Attorney's Office has charged Sweeney with three counts of aggravated driving under the influence and one count of reckless homicide.
RELATED | Truck driver charged with DUI, homicide in crash that killed DeKalb Co. deputy Christina Musil
A GoFundMe created to help Musil's three children has already raised over $230,000.
"This is by far the most incredible display of respect anyone could ever hope for. The sheer magnitude of this is nothing I could have ever fathomed," Caporaso said.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office administration will be closed Thursday for the services, and will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday.
