Ella French was a Chicago police officer who dedicated her life to serving and protecting her community. She was born on July 28, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on the city’s South Side.
Ella French education career
French attended Loyola University Chicago, where she earned a degree in sociology. After graduation, she joined the Chicago Police Department in April 2018, following in the footsteps of her father, a retired Chicago police sergeant.
During her time on the force, French worked in the 5th District on the city’s West Side. She was known for her dedication to her job, her kindness, and her willingness to help others.
On August 7, 2021, while on duty, French and her partner, Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., were conducting a traffic stop on the city’s South Side. During the stop, they were shot by an individual who had been pulled over for driving with expired license plates. French sustained fatal injuries and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she later passed away. Yanez was also injured but survived.
French’s death was a tragic loss for her family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the city of Chicago. She was remembered as a kind, brave, and selfless person who loved her job and was committed to making a positive difference in her community.
In the wake of French’s death, there was an outpouring of support from across the country. Thousands of people attended her funeral, including law enforcement officers from across the United States.
Ella French is remembered as a hero who dedicated her life to serving and protecting others, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who follow in her footsteps.
