Oak Park gathers to honor slain detective Allan Reddins: 'We will not be the same'
OAK PARK, Ill. - Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins, who was killed in the line of duty last week, was honored at a candlelight vigil Friday night outside Village Hall.
"This is not a sad moment. This is a pivotal moment in our history to come together and be united as one," said Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson. "Every person in our police department is struggling and I can tell you, we will not be the same. My prayer is that we're gonna be stronger, we're gonna work harder and we're gonna be safer than ever."
Reddins, 40, was shot outside in the 800 block of Lake Street around 9 a.m. on Nov. 29, according to authorities. The alleged shooter, Jerell Thomas, 37, is in custody and faces murder charges.
Reddins was responding to a report of a person with a gun at a downtown bank.
"I saw everything, and it was pretty intense," said Oak Park resident Martessa Jones. "There were a lot of police, and you could tell by their faces it was serious."
Court documents indicate Thomas fired first during the confrontation as Reddins tried to take cover.
"Hitting so close to home just lets you know the reality of the days we are living in now," said Oak Park resident Felicia Banks.
During the vigil, Chief Johnson invited current and retired Oak Park officers to join her at the podium.
"I ask this of them because I want you all to see and recognize the men and women of your police department who get up every day to serve and protect you all," she said.
Reddins is the first Oak Park officer to die in the line of duty since 1938.
"Together, we vow that his sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all," said Village President Vicki Scaman.
According to a village spokesperson, visitation for Reddins will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Leak & Sons Funeral Home, 7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago. A police officer walk-through is scheduled for approximately 7 p.m.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, a wake will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester Ave., in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. A private burial will follow.
For more information on how to support Reddins' family, follow this link.
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