The black monument located in the old Effingham County Courthouse square honors troopers from state police District 12 who died in the line of duty. District 12 is located in south central Illinois.

The Effingham Daily Journal reports that among those who gathered for Wednesday’s dedication were family members of troopers whose names are etched on the monument.

Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker says: “The troopers are heroes and mentors for many of us.”

Kathy Schroder is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, which raised funds for the monument.

Schroeder says they raised more than their $15,000 goal. She says the additional money will be used for lighting and landscaping around the memorial.