The Oak Park community is in mourning after the tragic loss of police detective Allan Reddins. The 40-year-old officer was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a person with a gun call on Friday morning. Friends, family, and colleagues are devastated by the loss of a dedicated officer, father, and friend.
Former coworker and friend, Traccye Love, expressed her sorrow and shock at the news. “It’s a huge loss for the department. It’s a huge loss for his family. I’m just really sorry,” she said. “He was such a lovely person, and that’s just the spirit he had all the time.” Love, who was a sergeant at the Oak Park Police Department for 12 years, had the privilege of working with Reddins during his time on the force. She was even his supervisor at one point.
Love fondly remembers Reddins as a proud father who often talked about his 19-year-old son. “He had a huge love for his job and the community he served,” she said. Reddins leaves behind not only his son but also his mother, who is now grieving the loss of her beloved son.
When Love heard the news of Reddins’ passing, she rushed to the hospital to be with dozens of other first responders. They all came together to escort his body to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Love recalls the overwhelming sense of sadness and support from the community during this difficult time.
Reddins was a well-respected and loved member of the Oak Park Police Department. He had a natural ability to connect with people and was often requested for events. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was known as the partner everyone wanted. “Just yesterday, when we went to the hospital, there were so many officers who said, ‘That’s the guy I wanted to back me up.’ It was Reddins every single time,” Love shared.
In honor of Reddins’ legacy and the impact he had on the community, a memorial has been set up in downtown Oak Park. Signs and flowers now adorn the area, serving as a reminder of the unfillable void he leaves behind. The outpouring of love and support from the community is a testament to the impact Reddins had on those around him.
The loss of Reddins has deeply affected the Oak Park community, but it has also brought them closer together. The tragic event has reminded everyone of the sacrifices that police officers make every day to keep their community safe. It has also highlighted the strong bond between first responders and the unwavering support they have for one another.
The Oak Park Police Department is now faced with the difficult task of moving forward without Reddins. But his memory will live on through the stories and memories shared by those who knew him. Reddins’ legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to serve their community with the same dedication and passion that he did.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Chicago man has been charged in Reddins’ murder. The loss of this brave officer serves as a reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day while protecting their community. But it also serves as a reminder of the incredible bravery and selflessness that they possess.
The Oak Park community will never forget the sacrifice that Allan Reddins made in the line of duty. He will be remembered as a hero, a dedicated officer, and a loving father. His legacy will continue to live on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he had on the community. Rest in peace, Detective Reddins. You will be deeply missed.
