Wheeling Remembers 'Very Special' Police Officer

A Wheeling police officer who died Saturday during training is being remembered as “an officer who could handle any situation.” 

Shamekia Goodwin-Badger, 33, became ill during a training session July 25 at the Wheeling Police Department. Wheeling paramedics transported her to Lutheran General Hospital, where she died July 27.

“The loss of Officer Badger has deeply shaken all members of the Wheeling Police Department, She was an officer who could handle any situation, displaying a calm, firm demeanor, but also one that was compassionate and understanding,” the department said in a statement released Monday.

Badger, who worked the midnight shift, was a youth officer and evidence technician. She was hired by the Wheeling Police Department in 2008. Previously, she served the Hawthorn Woods Police Department for four years and also served in the U.S. Army in Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq.

“Officer Badger was someone very special to the members of the police department — no matter what was happening in one’s life, you could always go to her for a word of encouragement and a guaranteed smile,” the department said in its statement.

Wheeling’s village flags are flying at half-staff in Badger’s memory. Purple bunting drapes the entrances of the police department.

A wake will be held from 3-8 p.m. July 31 at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a memorial fund established for Badger’s 13-year-old daughter. Checks can be made out to the Wheeling Police Benevolent and sent to 1 Community Blvd., Wheeling, IL 60090. 

A service will be held at a later date in Badger’s home state of Florida, where she will be laid to rest.

Previously: Wheeling Police Officer Dies After Collapsing During Training