The Pantagraph.com recently published an article detailing the sentencing of a truck driver who was responsible for the death of firefighter Chris Brown, a Hudson/Bloomington firefighter who was struck by a semi-truck on Interstate 39 last year.
Mansur Shakirov, a 29-year-old man from Spokane, Washington, was sentenced to four years in prison for causing the fatal accident. He was previously convicted of felony reckless homicide earlier this year and had already served 117 days in jail, which will count toward his sentence.
During the sentencing hearing, Chris Brown’s sister, Jennifer Radek, addressed the court, sharing her family's emotional struggle with the outcome of the case.
“It’s incredibly difficult for our family to come up with a sentence that feels just for what happened and for losing Chris. We believe a sentence of eight years would send a strong message to lawmakers, trucking company owners, and most importantly, to drivers of commercial vehicles—reminding them that when they're near emergency responders on the road, they must slow down, move over, and follow traffic laws, or be ready to face the consequences.â€
Chris Brown’s mother, Pamela Brown, also spoke about the deep void left by her son’s passing. The family chose not to comment publicly after the hearing, but the judge, Associate Judge Casey Costigan, issued the sentence. Prosecutors had requested an eight-year term, though the judge had the option of imposing 14 years or even probation.
Chris Brown, a dedicated firefighter with the Bloomington Fire Department, died on March 5, 2013, while volunteering with the Hudson Fire Department. The accident occurred on an icy section of Interstate 39 north of Normal, where Hudson firefighters were responding to another incident. He left behind a wife and two young sons.
In March, a jury found Shakirov guilty of felony reckless homicide for failing to reduce speed and move over to avoid hitting a Hudson command vehicle, as well as striking Brown and others at the scene.
Before receiving his sentence, Shakirov expressed deep remorse, saying, “I truly regret what happened. My heart goes out to everyone in that family.â€
Shakirov’s father, Bakhtiyer Shakirov, shared their family’s background, explaining that they were refugees from Russia who had to leave their home. They moved to Washington state with the help of a global relief organization when Mansur was 21. He worked during the day, attended ESL classes at night, earned his GED, and eventually graduated with an associate’s degree from a community college. “He was the first in our family to go to college,†said Bakhtiyer.
Judge Costigan acknowledged that while Shakirov did not intend to cause serious harm, his actions endangered lives and caused real damage. He emphasized that drivers have a responsibility to follow all traffic laws, especially when emergency personnel are present.
He also noted the significant media attention the case has received and hoped it would raise public awareness about the dangers faced by first responders at accident scenes. “The court realizes there are no winners today,†he said, reflecting on the tragedy that changed so many lives forever.
Thanks, Dan.
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