Funeral held for St. Paul officer Felicia Reilly: "We will never forget her"
The community gathered on Monday to honor the life of a St. Paul police officer who died nearly 15 years after suffering injuries in the line of duty.
Felicia Reilly died on March 1 at the age of 67, according to her obituary. She is the first woman to die after sustaining injuries in the line of duty at the St. Paul Police Department.
A man attacked Felicia Reilly in 2010 while she was responding to a 911 call. He kicked her in the head repeatedly, causing her to suffer from a traumatic brain injury. Her son, Ben Reilly, says she never recovered.
There was a huge show of support at Felicia Reilly's funeral at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Police officers from across the state, community members and dignitaries all gathered to honor her life and legacy.
"My mom always said the only thing in this world that matters is people," Felicia Reilly's son Matthew said. "Your stuff, your car, your house, it is just ashes holding place. Only worry about the people and you will do well."
Among those in attendance were Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry and Mayor Melvin Carter spoke at the service. Henry not only worked alongside Reilly, but he was one of the first to arrive on the scene the day of her attack.
"I think we will never be able to forgive ourselves for not getting there sooner," Henry said.
He said words like "brave" and "courage" fall short. That's why he announced on Monday that Reilly will receive the department's medal of valor.
"Felicia, your life may have been cut short, but your impact certainly was not," Henry said. "Rest easy, our brave friend. We'll take it from here."
While mourners gathered inside, a WCCO photographer outside captured a bald eagle perched on the church.
Following the funeral service, a procession led Felicia Reilly to Roselawn Cemetery. The public was invited to line the 5 miles of Larpenteur Avenue between the cemetery and Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.
The man who attacked Felicia Reilly was convicted of assault and served an eight-and-a-half-year sentence. Ben Reilly says his mother forgave the man, and he has as well.
In a statement Monday morning, Henry said "the double jeopardy clause of the U.S. Consitution prevents us from amending and upgrading the charges against her attacker."
"Heroes and their sacrifices should never be forgotten. Officer Reilly is one of those heroes and we will never allow her courage and sacrifice to be forgotten," Henry said.