In the winter of 2023, the city of Memphis lost a dedicated public servant, 49-year-old male police officer Geoffrey Redd. A former U.S. Marine, Redd had served the Memphis Police Department for 15 years, earning a reputation as a man of deep faith and a committed member of his community. Beyond his duties on the force, he was the director of security at his church, Greater Community Temple of the Church of God in Christ, where he also taught Sunday school.
His life was one of service, both to his country and his city.
On the afternoon of February 2, 2023, Officer Redd responded to a trespassing complaint at the Poplar-White Station Library. There, he and another officer encountered 28-year-old Torence Jackson Jr. Following a confrontation, Jackson produced a handgun and opened fire, striking Officer Redd. The second officer on the scene returned fire, fatally wounding Jackson. No one else in the library was physically harmed during the exchange.
Officer Redd was rushed to a local hospital in extremely critical condition. For sixteen days, he fought for his life, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on February 18, 2023. His death was a profound loss for his family, including his wife and children, and for the entire Memphis community. In the wake of his passing, fellow officers and citizens came together to honor his memory, holding a 'Sea of Blue' procession where law enforcement vehicles with their lights flashing drove through the city in a tribute to their fallen colleague.
