Family, friends remember fallen Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins during funeral

OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- First responders from across the Chicago area joined loved ones to say final goodbyes to Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins Thursday.

Reddins' American-flag-draped casket was carefully carried out of Leak and Sons Funeral Home, placed in a hearse at 78th and Cottage Grove and driven 3 miles away to 63rd and Dorchester, where Apostolic Church of God is located in Woodlawn.

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The procession transporting Reddins arrived at the church just before 9:30 a.m.

Flowers adorned the top of the hearse, as it pulled into the church's parking lot. Family, friends and first responders followed behind.

His life and sacrifice were honored at his service.

"Though we mourn the immense loss of his presence, we celebrate his legacy, a legacy of kindness, resilience and unshakable faith in those he cherished," friend Schenita Stewart said.

Reddins was remembered for his dedication to his community, and his life-long goal to become a police officer, first with Metra and then at Oak Park Police Department.

"His spirit, his dedication to justice and his love for the profession will remain with us always," Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said.

The 40-year-old was also acknowledged for his devotion to his only child.

Celebrants offered words of encouragement to Reddins' son, who is a pre-med student at Morehouse College.

"We are here for you always; we will support you as you continue to shine in this world, just as your father always believed you would. You were and always will be his pride and joy," Cmdr. Schonella Stewart said.

The funeral recession flanked with dozens of police cars from other towns accompanied the family to Reddins' final resting place.

The burial was private.

People poured out to Leak and Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday for Reddins' visitation.

The Oak Park detective was shot the day after Thanksgiving after responding to reports of a person seen leaving a Lake Street, Oak Park bank with a gun.

Investigators said Reddins and other officers asked the suspect to show his hands, when he pulled out a gun.

Reddins was shot on the left side and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died soon after arrival.

Reddins is survived by his son, mother, brothers and sisters.

He was a five-year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department and was the first Oak Park officer killed in the line of duty since 1938.

A suspect has been charged in his death.