CHICAGO — The loss of Chicago police officer Ella French is still being felt in the present day as hundreds of supporters and loved ones honored her memory during a solemn service on the lakefront.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, marked three years since her passing in the line of duty.
“I carry with me the pain of losing Ella every day,” said Elizabeth French at Wednesday’s emotional roll call ceremony. “I am blessed because the presence of every single one of you here gives real meaning to the words, ‘Never forget.’”
The outpouring of emotion at Chicago’s Goldstar Families Memorial Wall, with a flyover from CPD’s new helicopter, honored the memory of the highly regarded Ella French, who was shot and killed during an Englewood traffic stop in 2021.
Chicago Mayo Brandon Johnson attended the ceremony and offered his condolences to the French family.
“Thank you for your love and raising an incredible human being,” Johnson said.
Lending support on Wednesday were the slain officer’s partners, Joshua Blas and Carlos Yanez Jr. As a result of the shooting, Yanez suffered permanent damage and lost an eye. Yanez said he was moved by the courage of Ella’s mom, Elizabeth.
“She has so much strength and she wants to give back and I’m glad that I’m a part of it,” he said.
Elizabeth French said she is turning her pain and sorrow into action to help Chicago police handle the pressures of doing their job by launching a new effort called “Light the Line.”
“We want to be out there for the officers,” French said. “Asking them, ‘How we can support you? Is there something you need?'”