03-07-2025
Oak Park cop who arrested Allan Reddins killing suspect awarded Medal of Valor
Oak Park police Sgt. Derrick Verge received the Police Medal of Valor from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police for shooting and arresting the man who is charged with killing Oak Park police Det. Allan Reddins last November.
Verge, a 21 year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department received the award at the July 1 meeting of the Oak Park Village Board.
On Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving last year, Verge was responding to a domestic incident when he heard of a report of a shooting in downtown Oak Park. Verge ran through Scoville Park and found the shooter still armed and taking cover behind a concrete pillar by the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library.
'Recognizing the immediate deadly threat posed to the public and his fellow officers, Sgt. Verge fired two rounds striking and downing the shooter from a distance of 40 yards,' said Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis, the vice president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, while presenting Verge with a medal. 'Sgt. Verge and other officers approached the downed suspect, secured the nine millimeter pistol he had used, placed him under arrest and administered first aid to treat his wounds.'
The suspect, Jerrell Thomas of Chicago, is facing multiple charges including first degree murder, attempted murder, possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful use of a weapon. His case is still pending.
Verge grew up in Oak Park and previously served as a school resource officer as well as in many other roles in the Oak Park Police Department.
'He has dedicated himself to a life of service,' said Oak Park police Chief Shatonya Johnson.
