ST. PAUL, Minn. — A community came together on Monday to honor retired Saint Paul Police Officer Felicia Reilly, whose legacy of service, resilience, and compassion touched countless lives. The funeral, held at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, was attended by hundreds, including family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers who paid their final respects to a woman who dedicated her life to protecting and serving others.
A Lifetime of Service and Sacrifice
Reilly passed away on March 1, 2025, after enduring 15 years of relentless pain and complications from a traumatic brain injury sustained in the line of duty. The injury occurred on March 24, 2010, when she was responding to a domestic disturbance call. According to court records, Thomas Swenson violently attacked her, kicking her in the head multiple times. A jury later convicted Swenson of first-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, and obstructing the legal process, sentencing him to eight and a half years in prison.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Reilly fought to maintain her quality of life for more than a decade. However, the lingering effects of the attack ultimately took their toll. The Saint Paul Police Retirement Association has since recognized Reilly as the first female officer in the city to die from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
A Funeral Filled with Memories and Gratitude
The service was deeply emotional, with St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry delivering a eulogy reflecting on Reilly’s unwavering strength.
“For those who have been in a fight, a 90-second fight is an eternity,” Henry said. “Felicia fought for 15 years.”
Chief Henry also expressed the sorrow many officers carry when reflecting on that tragic night. “I think we will never be able to forgive ourselves for not getting there sooner. We have that nagging feeling in our hearts, could I have canceled that call?”
Reilly’s son, Matthew, spoke at the service, recalling moments that exemplified his mother’s kindness. He shared a particularly touching story from 2008, when his mother helped find a home for the last of a litter of kittens he had been trying to give away. That final kitten, Doughnut, ended up in their home, living a long life of 17 years before passing away just days before Reilly, almost as if following her into the next life.
“She wouldn’t make a promise she couldn’t keep,” Matthew said, reinforcing his mother’s deep sense of duty, both as an officer and a mother.
A Final Farewell
Following the service, a police procession led Reilly to her final resting place, a poignant tribute to her lifelong commitment to public service. Mourners lined the streets, holding flags and saluting as the procession passed, ensuring her sacrifice would not be forgotten.
Matthew closed his remarks with a heartfelt message: “Thank you all for coming today and thank you all for making sure she is not forgotten.”
A Lasting Legacy
Officer Reilly’s story is a sobering reminder of the risks law enforcement officers take every day. Her passing also raises awareness about long-term injuries suffered by officers in the line of duty, an issue that organizations like the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) continue to address.
Reilly leaves behind her husband, five children, and several grandchildren. Her legacy of service, love, and resilience will live on through them and the community she protected.
For those wishing to support fallen officers and their families, organizations such as the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) (concernsofpolicesurvivors.org) offer assistance and resources.
