<p>DECATUR, Ill. — A possession led by a hearse bearing the remains of slain police officer moved across central Illinois on Thursday, giving hundreds a chance to pay their respects. </p>
<p>Law enforcement agencies and other first responders escorted the body of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-shootings-1386c2a79304b51aefb714a4ca9c173a"> Champaign police Officer Chris Oberheim, 44, </a> through several cities, starting in Champaign, passing through Monticello, where he lived, and ending at a funeral home in Decatur, where Oberheim began his law enforcement career. </p>
<p>In Monticello, people lined Bridge Street to show respect to their neighbor. Vic Zimmerman, superintendent of the Monticello School District, said in a statement that Oberheim was involved in the lives of his four daughters, three of whom currently attend Monticello schools. </p>
<p>“Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to ensure that the rest of us are safe — they are there when we need them during our most difficult times and are often not appreciated for their daily work,” Zimmerman said.</p>
<p>Oberheim was killed early Wednesday during a shootout at an apartment complex. Officers had gone there in response to a report about a domestic disturbance and encountered the armed suspect. A second officer was wounded. The suspect, 24-year-old Darion Marquise Lafayette of Champaign, was killed in the shootout.</p>
<p>Champaign County court records show Lafayette had previous arrests for domestic violence and drug possession.</p>
