Loved ones, community members honor life of fallen Oak Park detective at vigil

OAK PARK, Ill. — Loved ones and fellow officers gathered on Friday for a vigil honoring an Oak Park detective who was killed in the line of duty last week.

As the sun set over Oak Park, the mournful melody of Amazing Grace played in the background, while lit candles were raised by community members and law enforcement officers.

They united at the Oak Park Village Hall courtyard in grief over the heartbreaking loss of Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins.

“It is deeply personal to the men and women of our police department that Detective Reddins made the ultimate sacrifice,” Oak Park police Chief Shatonya Johnson said.

The impact of Detective Reddins’ life was reflected in the diverse group of people who came to honor his memory.

From first responders and law enforcement officers to strangers, friends and community members, his influence reached far and wide. The vigil brought many together to grieve, share memories and celebrate the selfless service he gave to the village.

“The community is in shock. Not because it couldn’t happen here, it could happen anywhere. Not that, just the loss,” community member Susanne Fairfax said.

One week ago Reddins was tragically killed during a shootout while confronting an armed man who was leaving a bank on Lake Street.

While Reddins was a Chicago resident, he served with the Oak Park Police Department for more than five years.

His untimely death created a profound sense of loss, not only within the department but also the entire community that he had sworn to protect.

“He was the type of officer who liked to engage with residents on the street and get to know him a little bit, get to know their routine and let them know he was someone there to protect them, there to serve them in a time of need. He was a person very dedicated to his family. He was a father, son, he was a brother,” Oak Park Chief Communications Officer Dan Yopchick said.

Although no one wished to gather under these circumstances, there was a shared vow that Reddins’ sacrifice would never be forgotten.

“Detective Reddins’ dedication to protecting our community, his courage and unwavering commitment to justice will forever be remembered,” Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman said.

Reddins was the first Oak Park officer to lose their life in the line of duty in 86 years.

Visitation for Reddins will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 11, while a funeral service is set to take place the next day on Thurs, Dec. 12.

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