Man shot by officer recalled as brave, loving role model

John Gill, a U.S. Army veteran, was laid to rest Thursday at Fort Custer National Cemetery following a service at Langeland Family Funeral Homes in downtown Kalamazoo. Gill's funeral came exactly one week after he was shot and killed by a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer at Madeira Apartments in the 1600 block of East Cork Street. Little was mentioned at the service Thursday about the circumstances surrounding Gill's death. But, while recalling memories of his slain uncle, Gill's nephew Minister Dwayne Watkins said, "I want the record set straight today. Justice will prevail." Police say that about 3 p.m. Sept. 30, Sgt. Stacey Geik returned to the scene of an apartment fire that had occurred earlier in the day at Madeira. He reportedly was confronted by Gill, who announced he had a gun and then threatened the officer with the firearm. Officials have said Geik commanded Gill to drop the handgun about a dozen times, but Gill stepped toward the officer. Geik then fired his service pistol twice. Gill died at the apartment. However, Gill's family members Thursday questioned the account released by authorities. Jerry McNeely, president of the local NAACP chapter, said his organization also is conducting an inquiry into the shooting at the request of Gill's relatives. [more ]