“Above all things, Tyler enjoyed life and all that came with it. If you knew Tyler, you never saw him without a smile on his face so big it would close his eyes, a bounce in his step when he walked, or a quick one liner reserved to the first deserving person. He never took anything too seriously and was always able to see the good in any situation.”
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On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Pontoon Beach Police Officer Tyler Timmins was shot and killed while investigating a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a Speedway gas station at the intersection of Illinois 111 and Chains of Rocks Road at about 8:00 am.
He was approaching the pickup truck when a subject opened fire on him, fatally wounding him. The subject who shot him was arrested by other officers at the scene. Officer Timmins was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He died a short time later.
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Officer Timmins had served with the Pontoon Beach Police Department for 18 months. He had previously served with the Roxana Police Department, Wordon Police Department, and Hartford Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his wife and stepdaughter.
He is survived by his wife and stepdaughter.
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Tyler Timmins Memorial Foundation was created in memoriam of Officer Tyler Timmins who was killed in the line of duty on October 26th, 2021. Tyler dedicated his life to service both through police work as well as involving himself in several community outreach programs. Some of the main focal points in our organization are to develop and contribute to scholarships for first responder programs at local community colleges and universities, support community outreach programs and develop new programs of our own. Additionally, our goal is to provide financial and emotional support to first responder families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty in the state of Illinois. We honor Officer Timmins best, by continuing his calling and helping others.
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Our hearts are with the Timmins family and the Pontoon Beach Police Department.
To donate in memory of Officer Timmins, please visit our Fallen Heroes Donation page.