Supporters and loved ones said their final goodbyes during a funeral Thursday, Dec. 12, for Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins, who was killed in a shooting while he was on duty Nov. 29.
A funeral service began at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at Apostolic Church of God at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. in Chicago. Before the funeral, a procession of the Oak Park Police Department left at 9 a.m. from Village Hall at 123 Madison St. to travel to the church.
A Wednesday Journal livestream of the procession can be viewed online at https://www.facebook.com/wednesdayjournalinc/videos/1115380036692666.
Chicago police shuttle vans at Oak Park Village Hall to transport Oak Park police and other village staff to Detective Allan Reddins’ funeral on the South Side of Chicago on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Todd Bannor 
A vintage Dodge Oak Park police car turns east on Jackson Boulevard from Lombard Avenue during Detective Allan Reddins’ funeral procession on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Todd Bannor 
Oak Park police vehicles turn east on Jackson Boulevard from Lombard Avenue during Detective Allan Reddins’ funeral procession on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Todd Bannor 
Chicago Police vehicles staged on Lombard Avenue south of Oak Park’s Village Hall for Detective Allan Reddins’ funeral procession on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Todd Bannor
Chicago man Jerell Thomas was charged with first-degree murder in Reddins’ death after reportedly shooting him on the 800 block of Lake Street. Reddins later died at Loyola University Medical Center. Thomas was also shot.
Illinois flags will be lowered to half-staff through sunset on Dec. 12 in honor of Reddins, according to NBC Chicago.
The funeral
As the funeral service began at Apostolic Church of God, attendees were welcomed with an organ prelude. More than 130 individuals watched through a livestream online, in addition to those in person.
Reddins was displayed at the front of the church beforehand, in a dress uniform. An American flag was tightly draped over the bottom half of the casket, which read “Detective Allan Marcus Reddins, Badge #442.”
The church was decorated with white and blue flowers and wreaths. Attendees came up to the casket to give their regards, some shedding tears and dabbing their eyes with handkerchiefs and tissues.
Loved ones embraced one another in front of the casket. Police later circled around Reddins and bowed their heads respectfully in silence. They then covered the entire casket with the full American flag, and marched away together.
Rev. Jamie Fluker said a prayer, asking for God’s comfort. She asked for peace for his family, and said the greatest among us are those who serve.
“Lord, we stand in need of your presence,” she said. “Your presence that provides strength in moments of weakness and despair.”
She also read from the Bible, quoting 1 Corinthians.
“The dead will be raised, incorruptible, and we shall all be changed,” she quoted. “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O Death, is your victory?”
Evangelist Kimberly Madison then sang “I Won’t Complain” by Rev. Paul Jones in honor of Reddins’ memory.
“All of my good days outweigh my bad days; I won’t complain,” she sang. “Lord, why so much pain? But he knows what’s best for me … He dried all of my tears away. Turned my midnight into day.”
A vintage Oak Park Police Department squad car drives in the funeral procession for Det. Allan Reddins on East 63rd Street on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Sam Tucker 
A Chicago Police Department officer stands next to a parked squad car blocking off traffic to a side street off of East 63rd Street while the procession for Det. Allan Reddins passes by on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Sam Tucker 
Flowers are displayed atop a hearse from the Leak and Sons Funeral Home outside of Apostolic Church of God at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Det. Allan Reddins served the Oak Park Police Department since 2019, and worked as a detective since 2022. Credit: Sam Tucker 
A funeral service for Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins, who was shot and killed in the line of duty, took place Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Apostolic Church of God at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. in Chicago. Credit: Screenshot/Apostolic Church of God livestream 
Evangelist Kimberly Madison sang during a funeral service for Oak Park Det. Allan Reddins on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: Screenshot/Apostolic Church of God livestream 
Squad cars from numerous local police departments fill a parking lot across the street from the Apostolic Church of God at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. A procession of police department vehicles and other local municipalities left Oak Park Village Hall at 9 a.m. and made their way to the church on Thursday. Credit: Sam Tucker 
A Chicago Police Department squad car blocks off traffic in front of the Apostolic Church of God at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The funeral service for Det. Allan Reddins was held from 11 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. Credit: Sam Tucker 
A line of police department vehicles slowly moves down South Stony Island Avenue during the funeral procession for Det. Allan Reddins on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The funeral events came to a close on Thursday after a private burial following the service and procession. Credit: Sam Tucker
Members of schools and associations Reddins was part of read resolutions in remembrance of him.
One speaker asked former Harlan High School students to stand, where Reddins attended and graduated from in 2002. They received a round of applause.
“[Harlan] will remember Detective Allan Reddins as a true hero whose legacy will inspire future generations to serve with compassion, courage and integrity,” she said.
Another speaker said Reddins worked with diligence and vigor and served faithfully. He loved his family and touched many lives with his love and acceptance, she said. Members of the Apostolic Church of God are grieving with Reddins’ family, she said.
“We can’t replace Detective Reddins,” she said. “But we will attempt to improve our lives and live our lives as demonstrated by the great example that he leaves behind.”
Schenita Stewart and Schonella Stewart, twins whom Reddins was close friends with, gave acknowledgements.
Schenita, the first female chief of police for Evanston Police Department, said she thinks of Reddins loving and supportive nature. Tearfully, she recalled his life and work, calling him an “extraordinary father.” Reddins never missed an opportunity to brag about his son, Jayden, she said. His passing has left an “unfillable void” in the hearts of those who knew him, she said.
“A hero is someone admired for their courage, achievements or noble qualities. Allan was not just a hero. He was a mighty hero.”
Schenita Stewart
Schonella, a member of the Oak Park Police Department, said Reddins was affectionately known as “Bear.” He embodied “love, honor, loyalty and integrity,” she said. He reminds her to never forget the importance of family and community, she said.
A family friend read a poem written by Johnny Bradberry, Reddins’ brother, saying that today, attendees are reminded of the fragility of life. Reddins reminds them to find beauty in imperfect moments and joy in simple ones, the family friend read.
“The day you left felt like my soul was gone,” she read. “Without you, who else can I look up to now? Never thought I would lose you so soon. Never had I cried so many tears.”
Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson also spoke, saying that this is a difficult time for the Oak Park community and for law enforcement. She said as she did Reddins’ background investigation when he applied for the OPPD, she knew he would be an asset to the department. His commitment to service was unparalleled, she said.
“Two weeks ago, to the day, we were giving thanks, and today is no different,” she said. “We are giving thanks for the life he lived … Allan was our quiet storm in a world of chaos.”
She implored law enforcement officers to wear their badge not as a symbol of authority, but as one of honor. Johnson added, to the OPPD members, that with this loss, there will be a void.
“We are unbreakable,” she said. “We all must remember the impact that Allan had on our lives. The sacrifice he made, the legacy he leaves behind. We must use that as our ‘Why?’ Why do we do this job? Why do we serve Oak Park with compassion? Why must we carry on? I guarantee you, we will emerge stronger and wiser.”
James Butler, a close friend of Reddins’ since seventh grade, recalled growing up together. He remembered a time when Reddins talked frequently about Stacey, the mother of his son, and later asked Butler to be his son, Jayden’s, godfather.
“I wish I knew his nickname was ‘Bear’ before he passed,” Butler said. “I definitely would have roasted him on that.” The audience chuckled loudly.
Reddins’ obituary, available online, was then read silently by all attendees.
Madison then sang again, this time filling the church with the sound of “Going Up Yonder” by Walter Hawkins.
“I’m goin’ up yonder, to be with my Lord,” she sang. “As God gives me grace, I’ll run this race. Until I see my savior, face to face.”
An assistant pastor, Isaac Hayes, then gave a eulogy for Reddins. He reminded attendees that “where there is darkness, God gives light.” Reddins was a family man and a natural-born leader, Hayes said.
“He is a hero,” he said, echoing other sentiments shared. “[He] gave his life in service to the general public by responding to danger instead of running from it.”
Hayes said “we live in a world where people lack compassion.” People become callous, but God has compassion, he said. He spoke about how mourning is part of the human experience, and “reminds us that there is something greater and better that we hope for.” But sin, he added, is the reason Reddins had to go to work every day.
“We mourn for a better society,” Hayes said. “We mourn for a better world.”
The service ended with a benediction, or blessing, from Hayes.
The full service can be viewed online.
Support for Reddins
Oak Parkers also recalled the fallen detective during a candlelight vigil Dec. 6. Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman and Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson spoke at the vigil.
The last time an Oak Park police officer died in the line of duty was in 1938, when Chauncey Esch was struck and killed by a train while escorting a 16-year-old purse snatcher to the police station.
A wake for Reddins was held Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Leak & Sons Funeral Home in Chicago. Family, friends and law enforcement members celebrated his life and memory.
At Oak Park’s Village Hall on Dec. 12, many in-person services will be unavailable, including those related to parking, permits and the cashier’s office, because many village employees were in attendance for Reddins’ funeral service. Village Hall will still be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for appointments or adjudication hearings already scheduled. Visitors are encouraged to come on Friday, Dec. 13, for assistance.