A Hero Remembered: Chicago Police Department Officer Ella French
/Article & Artwork by Jonny Castro
On August 7th, Chicago Police Officer Ella French and two other officers assigned to the Community Safety Team were conducting a traffic stop on Chicago’s South Side. During the vehicle investigation, the passenger pulled a gun and opened fire, striking two of the three officers. Though gravely wounded, they were able to return fire and hit the gunman. Officer French suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head during the attack. Her partner remains in critical condition, fighting for his life after being shot multiple times. All three suspects involved have been taken into custody.
Officer French is remembered as one of the good ones. She was a bright, charismatic young woman who joined the Chicago Police Department back in 2018. She was proud to wear the badge, and brought honor and distinction to what it stands for. Officer French was a person of integrity and always believed in doing the right thing. Most importantly, she took this job to help people. Officer French was assigned to the 10th District, but respectfully requested to be detailed to the Community Safety Team to try and make a difference in a city plagued by gun violence. Officer leaves behind her mother and brother, and would have celebrated her 30th birthday at the end of August.
