Public, fellow officers pay respects to family of fallen Pontoon Beach police officer
People gathered at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville on Monday to pay respects to the family of Pontoon Beach Police Officer Tyler Timmins, who was shot to death last week.
American flags lined the approaching streets and grounds of the convention center. Members of the Patriot Guard stood at the entrance a people waited for the doors to open Monday afternoon for the visitation services to begin.
A slow, steady stream entered the convention center after the doors opened to pay their respects. Several people stopped to take a photo of the memorial setup in honor of Timmins outside of the convention center.
A first responder walk through was planned for later in the day.
Illinois State Police are encouraging the public to line the processional route Tuesday following the funeral service for the fallen officer.
The 11 a.m. service at Gateway Convention Center is by family invitation only, and the graveside service is private. Immediately following the funeral service, there will be a low-speed procession from the convention center at 1 Gateway Drive in Colllinsville to Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton.
Illinois State Police are encouraging the public to line the procession route in support of Timmins.
Here is the route of the procession, in order:
- West on Gateway Drive
- North on Eastport Plaza Drive
- West on Horseshoe Lake Road
- North on Illinois Route 111 (Through Pontoon Beach)
- East on Interstate 270
- North on Illinois Route 255
- West on Madison Avenue
- North on Illinois Route 111 (Through Roxana and into Wood River)
- West on Edwardsville Road (Large law enforcement procession will end here)
The public can also watch the funeral service here or by typing this URL into your address bar: bit.ly/OfficerTimmins.
In lieu of flowers and in furtherance of his legacy, memorial contributions may be made to: Tyler Timmins Memorial Fund c/o SIU-E Credit Union; checks also can be sent to: Tyler Timmins Family Memorial Fund, 99 Supporting Services Road, Edwardsville, IL 62026
The public can also watch the funeral service here or by typing this URL into your address bar: bit.ly/OfficerTimmins.
Timmins was shot Tuesday when he approached what he believed to be a stolen pickup truck at the Speedway gas station at the intersection of Illinois 111 and Interstate 270.
Timmins, 36, was a veteran police officer in Madison County. He joined the Pontoon Beach Police Department in April 2020.
A Highland man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River is handling the funeral arrangements.
This story was originally published November 1, 2021 at 5:04 PM.