Aurora Police Officer Brian Shields passed away Tuesday morning, January 11, 2022, at the age of 51. He died from complications of COVID-19 while serving the Aurora community, according to the Aurora Police Department.
Officer Shields served more than 16 years as a police officer with the Aurora Police Department. Members of the police department are doing everything possible to provide support and comfort to Brian’s family.
According to the Aurora Police Department, an official GoFundMe has been set up to raise money to help Brian’s wife and children with future expenses.
gofundme…
gofundme | In the memory of Ofc. Brian Shields
The Association of Professional Police Officers (APPO) is looking to assist Ofc. Brian Shields’ family in raising funds for any future expenses. A fundraising account is also set up with Aurora Police Credit Union.
Born October 19, 1970 in Melrose Park to Amanda Shields. Brian Shields was raised with his sister Marquita by his loving and nurturing grandmother Margaret, whom he shared a very special bond. Throughout his life he would recount her influence and wisdom. At a young age, Brian began to love reading and made many trips to the library. He had a very creative mind and a gift for writing. He loved to write stories and share them with his family.
After graduating from Proviso East High School with honors, he attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Journalism. He pledged Phi Beta Sigma, making many lifelong friends. After graduating, he worked as a reporter for the Times of Northwest Indiana, Kane County Chronicle and the Beacon News in Aurora, Illinois. According to Nikole Petersen, who organized a gofundme fundraiser for the family of Brian Shields, he had a genuine spirit, and easily made connections with others who would tell him their whole life story after a few thoughtful questions. He had the heart of a counselor and always listened and gave the best advice, according to Petersen.
“Brian was a talented writer, always putting things he wrote and said together so perfectly.”
— Nikole Petersen
While reporting on Aurora police incidents, he also went on ride-alongs with officers. This sparked within him the desire to become a police officer, and to help others.
Brian was sworn in as an Aurora Police Officer in 2005. He loved making connections and helping the community. He always took time to listen, gave solid advice and brought his own style to the job. A couple years later he met his wife, Marina. They quickly connected, and fell in love, best friends. Brian was always doing so much for his family, so attentive, selfless, generous, and loving. He set the bar high. He poured so much love, advice, and truth into his children. He was a school volunteer, and chaperoned many field trips.
Brian obtained a second masters degree, a Masters in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary in May 2021. 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.
Brian 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 Aurora Police Department family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Margaret Shields and Flozell Shields; uncle Flozell Shields, Jr.; and cousin, William Shields.
Visitation was Monday, January 17, 2022 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Harvest New Beginnings Church, 5315 Douglas Road in Oswego. The funeral service was Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 10:30 am at Harvest New Beginnings Church, 5315 Douglas Rd. Oswego IL. Interment was private.
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