Funeral held for fallen Oak Park, Illinois police Detective Allan Reddins
CHICAGO (CBS) — AFuneral services were held Thursday for fallen Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, who was shot last month while in the line of duty.
Reddins was shot and killed while responding to a call of a person with a gun seen leaving a Chase Bank on Lake Street on Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving. He had been with the Oak Park Police Department since 2019.
The shooting marked the first line-of-duty death for an Oak Park police officer since 1938.
A police procession made its way from Oak Park Village Hall to the Apostolic Church of God, at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, on Thursday morning.
"He is a hero," said Dr. Isaac Hayes, assistant pastor of the Apostolic Church of God. "He gave his life in service to the general public by responding to danger instead of running from it."
Hundreds of Reddins' fellow officers, family, friends, former classmates, and community members joined to honor his legacy and celebrate his life.
"We celebrate his legacy—a legacy of kindness, resilience, and an unshakable faith in those he cherished," said Evanston police Chief Schenita Steward. "The first qualities that come to mind are his loving and supportive nature."
Described as courageous, determined, and charismatic, the five-year veteran of the Oak Park police department was called a dedicated family man. He was immensely proud of his son, Jayden, an honors student at Morehouse College.
"Your father was a very special person both to our Oak Park community and to my own," said Oak Park police Cmdr. Schonella Steward.
Reddins' colleagues nicknamed him "Bear."
"We are here for you always," said Cmdr. Schonella Steward. "Thank you Bear. This is forever love."
The nickname was something James Butler—Reddins' best friend and the godfather to his son—first learned about at the funeral.
"I wish I knew his nickname was Bear before he passed, because I definitely would've roasted him on that," Butler said. "I'll always cherish my brother's memory. I'm glad God connected us."
Officers at the funeral applauded Reddins' life and legacy, while acknowledging it has been been a really tough time for the department.
"Wear the badge with the same pride Allan had," said Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson. "He didn't wear the badge as a symbol of authority. He wore it as a badge of honor with integrity, courage, and bravery."
Chief Johnson shared a message for Reddins' fellow officers, and everyone at the funeral, to honor a life lost in service.
"We all must remember the impact that Allan had on our lives, the sacrifice he made, the legacy he leaves behind," said Chief Johnson. "We must use that as our 'why.'"
Visitation for Reddins was held on Wednesday, at Leak & Sons Funeral Home. He was laid to rest at in a private service Thursday.
Reddins' family has not commented directly.
Becoming a police officer was a lifelong dream
Reddins had turned 40 on May 29. He attended St. Ailbe Elementary School in the Calumet Heights neighborhood and Harlan High School in the Roseland neighborhood.
Reddins had always wanted to go into law enforcement, so he went on to major in criminal justice at Triton College in River Grove.
He met the mother of his only child, Stacey, at the age of 19, and their son was born three years later.
"Becoming a father motivated Allan to be the best man he could be," his obituary read. "He became a family man while landing a position in the agricultural industry where he made many lifelong friends."
Reddins finished his degree at Loyola University, and succeeded in his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. He first worked as an officer with the Metra Police Departemnt, and then joined Oak Park police in 2019.
He was promoted to detective in 2022.
Reddins was always proud of his son, Jayden, an honor student at Morehouse College who became certified as an EKG technician at 19.
"Allan Reddins will be remembered as a strong, kind, loving father, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend," his obit read. "His indomitable spirit and dedication to his community will be cherished by all those who knew him."
Murder charges filed against Jerell Thomas
Police announced that 37-year-old Jerell Thomas was charged with first-degree murder in Reddins' death. He's also charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
Police said Thomas has an extensive criminal background, with multiple arrests for aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, battery, and resisting a police officer.
Memorials grow for fallen detective
Oak Park residents have continued to honor Detective Reddins with memorials.
A candlelight vigil took over the courtyard at Village Hall, located at 123 Madison St., on Friday, Dec. 6. This vigil marked one-week since Reddin's death.
Flags flew at half-staff across Oak Park in memory of Reddins. Neighbors tied blue ribbons around the trees in their front yard, and urged others on social media to do the same.
One memorial started alongside the scene of the shooting, and more than doubled in just a few days.
"He loved our community so much that he became a police officer here and gave his life for all of us," said Jennifer Okonma of Oak Park.
Purple and black bunting were also draped across the Oak Park police station.
