East Central Reporter

In a Dec. 22 Facebook post, Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) congratulated Officer Jeffrey Creel on his retirement.

“Congrats and Merry Christmas to my friend Jeff and his family! We so appreciate you! And to all my friends in BLUE - BE SAFE!” Rose posted.

According to a City of Champaign news release, Creel was a member and leader of multiple specialized units. He had a 20-year tenure as a SWAT officer, seven years on the Electronics Technician Team, and four years as a certified technical investigator. 

“Jeffrey Creel is an exemplary officer, an exceptional leader, and a great public servant,” Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler said. “The men and women of the Champaign Police Department are thankful that he has shared his gifts with our department and kept this community safe for 22 years. We will miss his calming presence and his teacher’s spirit, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”

In May 2021, Creel was shot three times after he responded to a domestic disturbance call, according to the City of Champaign. Officer Chris Oberheim was fatally wounded by an armed suspect, who was also shot during an exchange of gunfire.

The city honored Creel for his actions in that May 2021 incident. WCIA reported on this in October 2022. "Oberheim and Creel will be awarded the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart for what the CPD calls “their distinguished service, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to protect and save human life on May 19, 2021.” Oberheim’s family will accept the awards on his behalf."