OAK PARK, Ill. (CBS) — Neighbors in the western suburbs packed a church Tuesday night for a candlelight peace vigil — specifically honoring the memory of fallen Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins.
Reddins was shot and killed while on duty on November 29 the Friday after Thanksgiving. Oak Park residents packed St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, at 545 S. East Ave., to remember a police detective and father who served and protected the people of the leafy suburban village for five years .
Rev. George Arceneaux greeted residents as they entered the church.
“We get a lot of people who don’t necessarily come to St. Christopher’s on Sunday mornings,” Arceneaux said. “We get people who come from different Christian communities, but also from different faith backgrounds.”
People of different faiths all came together under one roof to raise awareness to end gun violence. The group recognized family, friends and victims of gun violence.
“Many people don’t believe that when gun violence occurs in a community, it’s not just that one home that is affected, but that everyone is connected,” said Bertha Purnell of the group Mothers OnA Mission28.
When Detective Reddins’ name was read, it hit especially close to home. With his name, faith leaders repeated “Presente!”, recognizing that his spirit still lives in everyone.
The event Tuesday evening was the 12th annual candlelight peace vigil. It is sponsored by several local groups, including the Moms Demand Action Oak Park-Austin chapter.
“The purpose of this vigil is really to honor all the victims of gun violence across the country,” said Jenna Leving Jacobson, a volunteer with the Oak Park-Austin chapter of Moms Demand Action. “It’s a national event that we do every year, and we want to put survivors first.”
A gloomy environment was cast into shadow as lights dimmed and lit candles eased the community’s grief.
“There’s obviously a lot of violence in the Chicago area, and there’s a lot of thoughts and prayers going out, but we have to go beyond that,” Victor Guarino said. “This is just one way that we can participate and maybe do something to address the violence that is happening.”
Reddins will be buried Thursday.
