Fallen Chicago police officer Ella French honored in special ceremony 1 year after her death
CHICAGO (CBS) -- One year ago, Chicago police officer Ella French was shot and killed in the line of duty. It happened during a traffic stop gone wrong last August. Now her colleagues are making sure her courage and service are always remembered.
On Sunday French's police star was enshrined in a memorial at Chicago Police Headquarters.
Both Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot attended the emotional ceremony.
The guest of honor was French's mother, Elizabeth, who brought the crowd to tears talking about her daughter.
Later in the day police staged a memorial roll call at the gold star family memorial in French's honor.
The mother of PO Ella G. French addressed the crowd at this morning’s Honored Star Case Ceremony where Officer French's star was retired. @ChiefDavidBrown Brown, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov Pritzker were in attendance. #WeWillNeverForget #CPDMediaCar pic.twitter.com/ynfE5RfD8t
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) August 7, 2022
Two brothers are charged in connection with the murder of Officer French.
French's partner, Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., was also shot but survived his injuries.