Chicago lost one of its finest in the line of duty. No family should ever have to experience such a loss, and it is our duty as police officers, civilians, and her friends to remember Ella French and everything she did for us.
This article is about the slain police officer, Ella French. It begins with a tribute to her memory and what she meant to Chicago in her short life. The article then details how Ella’s death changed how Chicago officers carry out their job.
The amount of police officers killed in the line of duty has increased steadily over the last few years. In the first six months of this year, 28 police officers died, compared to 23 in all of 2016. More deaths seem to be on the horizon as recent developments have shown law enforcement officials more fearful.
Officer Ella French
On July 20, 2019, Officer Ella French was shot and killed while on duty. She was only 29 years old. Her husband and two young children survive Officer French.
Officer French had been with the Chicago Police Department for four years when she was shot and killed. She has worked in the District 2 district since May 2018.
In a statement released after her death, Superintendent Eddie Johnson said: “She loved what she did as a Chicago police officer and it showed in everything she did. Officer French epitomized everything that is great about the Chicago Police Department – her dedication to her job, her respect for others, and her fun-loving personality.”
In honor of Officer French, the Chicago Police Department has set up a memorial fund in her name. Anyone who would like to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/remembering-ella-french.
Why was she shot?
Investigators were quickly brought in to help determine what led to her death. The Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) released a report detailing the events leading up to the shooting, and it’s clear that there is still much that remains unknown.
French had responded to a call for help from a man who reported that he was being held at gunpoint by another man. When the French arrived on the scene, the gunman immediately shot her. The gunman then fled the scene in a vehicle.
French was rushed to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries.
At this point, it’s still unclear why the gunman decided to shoot the French. Investigators are still trying to figure out what might have sparked the altercation between French and the gunman or whether there is any connection between the shooter and the victim. However, they have ruled out racial bias as a motivator in this case and are focusing their investigation on other potential factors.
What is the Illinois General Assembly’s response to the shooting?
The Illinois General Assembly has responded by unanimously approving a resolution honoring Ella French and expressing condolences to her family and the Chicago Police Department. The resolution calls on the State of Illinois to provide financial assistance to the Chicago Police Department and to adopt legislation increasing gun safety measures.
Following the shooting of Chicago Police Officer Ella French, state lawmakers are working to develop a response. On Wednesday, the Illinois General Assembly convened a special session to discuss violence against law enforcement. The session was called in response to Officer French’s death.
Governor Bruce Rauner has proposed reforms to improve law enforcement security and training. He has also called for harsher penalties for those who commit crimes against officers. State lawmakers are working on various proposals, including increasing officer training funding and the number of officers on duty.
Many residents echoed Governor Rauner’s concerns about gun violence and police brutality. “[The] increase in crime, particularly shootings of law enforcement officers, is alarming,” said state Representative La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago). “We must come together to find solutions that will protect our citizens and keep our law enforcement officers safe.”
State lawmakers hope to have legislation ready by the end of the year.
How does the Chicago police department respond to shootings in general?
The Chicago police department has responded to shootings by increasing the number of officers on the street and implementing stricter gun control measures. Ella French was the first officer killed in the line of duty in the city since 1984, and her death has brought attention to the issue of gun violence in Chicago.
In the aftermath of Chicago police officer Ella French’s death, the department has faced criticism for its general response to shootings. French was fatally shot while responding to a Saturday call on the city’s South Side. Three other officers were also injured in the shooting.
According to reports, French and her partner were initially told that they were dealing with a person with a knife, but the situation escalated quickly. The officers attempted to pull their vehicle over when they came across 25-year-old Antwan Scott, who opened fire on them with an AK-47.
The Chicago Police Union has called for a review of how the department responds. To shootings, saying that officers are routinely put in “dangerous and life-threatening situations. The union also said that officers are being forced to use less lethal weapons. Such as tasers and beanbags, instead of firearms, which can be more deadly.
The Chicago Police Department has disputed these claims, saying that its officers have been killed in similar circumstances using firearms. French is only the latest officer to be killed in the line of duty; since January 1, 2017, at least 46 police officers have been killed in the United States.
What are the efforts of a growing movement in Chicago to increase officer safety?
The movement to increase officer safety in Chicago is growing as more and more officers are killed in the line of duty. The Ella French Memorial Foundation was created in honor of the slain police officer, and the foundation is working to increase officer safety. The foundation has created a memorial park in Ella French’s glory, and they are also working to create a fund that will provide scholarships for officers who want to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Conclusion
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Chicago’s slain police officer Ella French. We remember all too well the pain and grief. That comes with losing a loved one in uniform, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. The death of an officer is always tragic. But it is especially heartbreaking when that officer was killed while serving their community. We hope that through remembering Ella French. We can help bring some comfort to her family and friends as they cope with this terrible loss.
