Sandy MaloneSouth Pekin, IL – South Pekin Police Sergeant Richard Homerin died of pancreatic cancer on Jan. 3, one month after he was diagnosed with the disease.
Sgt. Homerin served on the South Pekin police force for 26 years, and worked part-time for the department for four years before that, WYZZ reported.
He was a part-time officer for the Green Valley Police Department for several years before he joined South Pekin, according to his obituary.
South Pekin Village President Chad Lamberson said that Sgt. Homerin also served as a volunteer firefighter for the South Pekin Fire Department, WYZZ reported.
“Rich was a dedicated officer (26yrs), loving family man, wonderful friends, and as genuine as they come. He has touched so many lives in our community and made them better,” Lamberson wrote on his Facebook page.
The sergeant is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two granddaughters, according to his obituary.
Neighboring agencies expressed their condolences on social media.
“Today we say good bye to South Pekin Police Sergeant Rich Homerin,” the Pekin Police Department posted on its official Facebook page. “Rich was an officer for the South Pekin Police Department for 30 years. Rich lost his short battle with cancer on January 3rd.”
“He will be greatly missed,” the post continued. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and all of the law enforcement officers who had the privilege to work along side of him.”
Sgt. Homerin was known as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.
His obituary said he was also an avid fan of science fiction books.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of South Pekin Police Sergeant Richard Homerin, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.