Ella French statue unveiled today
A new statue on the southwest side of Chicago honors not only fallen police officer Ella French, but the person she was off the job.
CHICAGO – It was an emotional reveal Sunday morning at Wentworth Park in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood as people gathered to honor slain Chicago Police officer Ella French.
What we know:
Among the long list of speakers was FOP President John Catanzara who told the crowd that there had been considerable discussion as to how to best honor Ella with some debate over renaming Animal Care and Control. However, after discussing the matter with Ella’s mother Elizabeth, it was decided a bronze statue, created by Eric Blome, was more appropriate given who Ella was.
Elizabeth told the crowd, “Ella took her dog Bella to the dog park often, so I know that it makes her happy to be watching over the dogs that will come here to play at the Wentworth Dog Park.”
French, who was shot and killed in West Englewood during a traffic stop in 2021, often brought her love of animals, dogs in particular, to the job.
Her mother said that she would often pull over her squad car while on duty to see a wayward dog on the streets of Chicago.
Al Cacciottolo from the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch spoke on behalf of a grateful community.
“This statue will always remind us of the ultimate sacrifice Ella made serving the city of Chicago and all of its residents,” Cacciottolo said. “I know I speak on behalf of our community that we appreciate, support, and respect of all our police officers who work tirelessly to ensure our safety.”
Catanzara became emotional when talking about his own appreciation for animal adoption.
“Adopt a dog or a cat; they can save your life,” he said. “I’m testimony to tell you an adopted dog saved mine almost fifteen years ago. It’s true. So in Ella’s memory, if you’re feeling alone, if you’re feeling depressed, if you’re having a rough patch, go find a companion that will love you every time you walk through the door.”
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