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February 13, 2018

Memorials for Pamela Knight


Pamela Knight, AFSCME Local 448 member and dedicated DCFS child protection investigator, passed away February 8 due to injuries suffered in the line of duty. She was viciously attacked last fall while protecting the welfare of a two-year-old child and was left largely unresponsive for months. Pam died surrounded by love from her family, friends and co-workers.

Visitation for Pam will be Saturday, February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Dixon Elks Lodge (1279 Franklin Grove Road in Dixon). Her funeral will follow. 

The family has requested that any memorial donations in Pam’s honor be made to:

Granny Rose Animal Shelter
613 River Lane
Dixon, IL 61021

On April 28th Rockford United Labor will place Pam’s name on the Workers’ Memorial Wall during its annual Workers’ Memorial Day Ceremony.

Pam’s attacker, Andrew Sucher, is currently charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and aggravated battery of a state employee. Any further charges await the Medical Examiner’s report. Sucher is in jail pending a psychiatric evaluation.

 

On Tuesday, February 13, the Illinois General Assembly honored Pam’s passing with a moment of silence. Sen. Melinda Bush called on the Department of Children and Family Services to take steps to ensure the safety of its employees by developing new training, policies and practices. She also urged the department to compile and track data and report it regularly in order to determine the prevalence of these threats and assaults.

 

“Pam Knight died in the service of our state, her community, and to protect a small child who could not protect himself,” Bush said. “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to ensure that a tragedy like this will never happen again.”