Chicago Police Officer Ella French Was an Animal Lover; Donate To A Shelter in Her Name


August 15, 2021 • •

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Chicago Police Officer Ella French, 29, was senselessly killed by cowards on August 7 and her partner  Carlos Yanez, Jr. remains in critical condition. French was lauded not only as an officer and member of the police department’s Community Safety Team but for her passion and compassion to make the world a better place. The stories are numerous, and range from saving a one-month old baby shot in the head as recently as last month to saving dogs, even adopting one she found (pictured here). I had heard Ella’s family wanted donations in her name made to Small Paws Animal Rescue Inc. However, I needed to confirm this before publishing, and Ella’s mother Elizabeth, through her profound sorrow, wrote this back in a personal email:

Hi Mr. Dale:

Thank you so much for your kind words.  Every single one of them means a great deal to me.

I have listened to your show on WGN many times.  You do a great job.  I happen to foster through Small Paws, but when asked about donations I have told people that they can donate in Ella’s honor to the shelter or rescue of their choice.

Again, thank you for reaching out.  Through all my sadness I am proud my Ella made a difference.

Elizabeth French

Wouldn’t it be great if thousands spreading the word via social media donated even $10 or $20 in her name to animal shelters and rescues throughout the Chicago area. Ella was about making a difference, added up all those donations would indeed make a difference and make a statement to support police and Ella’s life. 

I can’t explain why – and I’m unsure anyone can – how some the kindest humans are too often taken far too soon. By all accounts she was a focused on making Chicago better than what we’ve sometimes been. This was a totally senseless tragedy, and from what I know about French’s partner’s Yanez’s condition, his life will forever be profoundly changed. And all for what? (that legit GoFund Me: HERE)

The Fraternal Order of Police is warning of online GoFundMe spams unapproved by police or the family, yet another reason for me asking if giving to animal welfare is legit. It is legit as Elizabeth French says, but you can also give to the family via the Fraternal Order of Police.