Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) thinks there are other reasons legislative leaders canceled the Illinois General Assembly's fall session. | Photo Courtesy of SenChapinRose.com
Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) thinks there are other reasons legislative leaders canceled the Illinois General Assembly's fall session. | Photo Courtesy of SenChapinRose.com
In a Dec. 22 Facebook post, Sen. Chapin Rose congratulated Officer Jeffrey Creel on his retirement.
“Congrats and Merry Christmas to my friend Jeff and his family,” Rose wrote. “We so appreciate you! And to all my friends in BLUE - BE SAFE!”
The News-Gazette reported Creel began his law enforcement career in 1993 at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Des Moines, Iowa. He later joined the Chicago Police Department in 1995.
According to the City of Champaign's news release, Creel was a member and leader of multiple specialized units. He had a 20-year tenure as a SWAT Officer, 7 years on the Electronics Technician Team, and 4 years as a Certified Technical Investigator. “Jeffrey Creel is an exemplary officer, an exceptional leader, and a great public servant,” said Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler. “The men and women of the Champaign Police Department are thankful that he has shared his gifts with our department and kept this community safe for 22 years. We will miss his calming presence and his teacher’s spirit, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”
The News-Gazette added he joined the Champaign Police Department in 2000.
In May 2021, Creel was shot three times after he responded to a domestic disturbance call, according to the City of Champaign. Officer Chris Oberheim was fatally wounded by an armed suspect, who was also shot during an exchange of gunfire.
“You were there with your courage and your heroism, there to care for your friend and your colleague through a tragic incident that we know will impact you for the rest of your life,” City Manager for Champaign David said, speaking directly to Creel, during the city’s award ceremony.
The city honored Creel for his actions in that May 2021 incident. WCIA reported on this in October 2022. "Oberheim and Creel will be awarded the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart for what the CPD calls “their distinguished service, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to protect and save human life on May 19, 2021.” Oberheim’s family will accept the awards on his behalf."
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