AURORA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An Aurora police officer will be laid to rest Tuesday morning, days after dying of COVID-19 complications.
Officer Brian Shields, 51, was a 16-year veteran of the Aurora Police Department.
Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross said Shields died last Tuesday of COVID-19 complications.
"Our police department family will do everything possible to provide support and comfort to Brian's family," Chief Cross said in a statement.
All Aurora police officers are required to either provide proof of vaccination or undergo weekly testing per city policy.
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Shields graduated from Proviso East High School with honors and went on to attend the University of Illinois, where he obtained his Masters in Journalism. He worked as a reporter for the Times of Northwest Indiana, Kane County Chronicle, and the Aurora Beacon News.
Brian Shields as sworn in as an Aurora Police Officer in 2005. In May 2021, he went on to obtain a second master's degree, this time in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary.
"He had a desire to share the love of the Lord and the promise of salvation and hope. He had such a big heart for people, he was full of inspiration and wisdom," his obituary read.
Funeral services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Harvest New Beginnings Church, located at 5315 Douglas Road, in Oswego.
Brian Shields is survived by his beloved wife Marina, children: Nathaniel (Kallahan), Sarina, Ava, Samuel, and Malachi. His grandchildren, Shiloh and Magdalena Shields, and Tomas Otte. His mother Amanda Shields, sister Marquita Shields, uncle Michael (Susan) Shields, aunt Lora Shields, niece Mya Seaton and many cousins, other family members, and his APD family.
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