Nonprofit started by mother of slain Chicago Police officer supports on-duty officers with food and water

Karina Atkins, Chicago Tribune on Oct 1, 2024

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CHICAGO -- Elizabeth French cushioned a sigh with a soft smile as she took a seat on a wooden pew at St. Christina Parish in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood Sunday. She was there to accept a donation for the nonprofit she began in honor of her daughter, slain Chicago police Officer Ella French, at a Mass recognizing first responders.

“I did not sleep well last night. You do not get used to it,” French told the Tribune before the service. “I want to do right by Ella.”

The retired teacher’s life changed forever when her 29-year-old daughter was fatally shot during a traffic stop in 2021. French gave an emotional victim impact testimony in September when her daughter’s killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Now, she has thrown herself behind Light the Line, an organization founded to support on-duty law enforcement. She runs it alongside three Chicago police officers, including Carlos Yanez, who was critically injured during the 2021 traffic stop.

Light the Line runs a mobile wellness unit that travels around the city to provide refreshments to on-duty police officers. The unit — a retrofitted ambulance — made its debut at the Democratic National Convention.

French recalled the initial confusion on officers’ faces when she pulled up in the black ambulance, and how it instantly turned to appreciation when she started unpacking water, sandwiches and chewing gum.

Ella French used to tell her mother about her struggles to find water, food, bathrooms and quiet places to regroup during long days working at critical incidents or large-scale events.

“I know this would be Ella-approved,” her mother said. “The support needs to be where (the police officers) are in the moment.”

Michael Pila, a retired police officer of 28 years, said he wished an organization like Light the Line existed while he was working. He was at Sunday’s service and Ella French’s funeral as a member of The Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society, a police organization that performs at fallen officers’ memorials.

The $2,400 donation made by St. Christina School students will be put toward adding a bathroom to the unit, French told the Tribune. The organization is also exploring ways to support officers in their daily routines beyond major events.

“While nothing is going to take away the hurt of losing Ella, I have to say, it’s just such a wonderful feeling to be able to do this,” French said. “It’s just, it’s good for me.”

She views Light the Line as a way for her to show thanks to the Chicago police community that has provided her with much-needed support since the death of her only daughter.