Wheeling Cop Dies After Collapsing During Training
WHEELING, Ill. (STMW) -- An on-duty police officer died Saturday after becoming ill during a department training session Thursday in northwest suburban Wheeling.
Officer Shamekia Goodwin-Badger, 33, was pronounced dead Saturday at the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge after falling ill during the training session at the police department, Wheeling police said.
Goodwin-Badger began working for Wheeling police May 27, 2008 after being employed with Hawthorn Woods police for four years, police said.
She is also a U.S. Army veteran who served in Kuwait and Iraq, police said.
Goodwin-Badger "worked the midnight shift where she utilized her skills as a youth officer and evidence technician," police said.
Police described her as being able to "handle any situation," having a "calm, firm demeanor" and being "compassionate and understanding."
Goodwin-Badger is survived by a 13-year-old daughter, police said.
A wake/memorial service will be held Wednesday 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Kolssak Funeral Home at 189 S. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling, police said.
"In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been created for Goodwin-Badger's daughter," police said.
Donations and checks should be made out to the Wheeling Police Benevolent and are being accepted at 1 Community Blvd., Wheeling, IL. 60090.
Services will be held at an unannounced date in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. where Goodwin-Badger will be laid to rest in her home state.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
