In emotional memorial, Oak Park remembers Det. Reddins 

On a snowy and cold Saturday morning in the courtyard of Oak Park’s village hall, a crowd gathered to attempt to find joy in the grief brought by the one-year anniversary of the murder of Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins. 

A year ago, on the morning after Thanksgiving Reddins was shot and killed on Lake Street as he and other officers tried to stop a man who had been reported brandishing a gun near a bank in Downtown Oak Park.  

All of Oak Park’s police administration, dozens of sworn Oak Park officers, a large contingent of Oak Park firefighters, Rev. Adonna Reid, the police department chaplain, representatives of police departments from across Cook County, the State’s Attorney’s office, Village President Vicki Scaman and a majority of the Oak Park village board, Cong. Danny Davis, State Rep. La Shawn Ford and the family of Reddins were all present for the hour-long service which included the tradition of an Oak Park police honor guard presenting the colors, the playing of taps and a Chicago police officer on his bagpipe with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” 

And there were deep emotions, too.   

Police Chief Shatonya Johnson told the assembled, “Today is a good day. Don’t join in sorrow. I went to bed thinking of Allan. I woke up thinking of Allan. … Let’s think of the times we had with Allan, of his five years with us. … And let’s face it, he is here right now.” 

Detective Andrew Vaughan, Reddens’ partner in the detective division, spoke powerfully about their friendship. “He was a brother, a partner, a friend. The pain is still as real as it was then,” he said. Vaughan described their long car rides together as they worked cases. “We shared triumphs and fears. … He was genuine and true in a way that is unusual these days.” 

Speaking directly to Reddins’ son Jayden, who sat with his family in the front row, Vaughan said, “I’ve never met a dad so proud.” 

Vaughan said he continues to replay many moments of their work together in his mind. “He brought calm to chaos. He treated everyone with respect. And he made people laugh.” 

Stacey Bailey, Reddins former partner and mother of their son, also spoke about Reddins and spoke directly to her son Jayden.  “Allan was strong-willed. He served with purpose. He did what was right even when it was not easy. Your father’s love is still with you. He is still with you. You are his legacy. You are my heart.” 

Both Johnson and Nathaniel Leitl, an Oak Park police commander credited with organizing the memorial, talked about the challenges of being an Oak Park police officer. 

“It has been a rough year for our officers,” said Leitl. “The constant criticism (all of law enforcement receives) and now reaching down to the local level. Sometimes fair. Often with inaccuracies.” Leitl quoted Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling telling a group of police officers to “never lose your why. Why you became a police officer.” Leitl said Reddins always had his “why” and that it was tied to the community and to his family. 

In making closing remarks, Johnson offered praise and thanks to her officers and to those from the villages surrounding Oak Park who turn out in support when mutual aid calls are made. “Thanks for showing up every time we call. Especially our local partners in River Forest and Forest Park. You show up even when we don’t call you, when you hear tension in a voice (on the police radio).  

“To my family of police officers,” Johnson said, speaking to the dozens of Oak Park police in attendance, “Even when you don’t always receive the thanks, I thank you. I appreciate and love you.” 

Johnson said, “We need to forge ahead for Allan.” 

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