In Memoriam: America’s Fallen Police Officers
The NLEOMF notes an increase of approximately
10 percent from the 141 officers killed during the same period last year. The
155 line-of-duty deaths are on a pace to exceed the 295 law enforcement
fatalities recorded in 2020, the second highest total on record.
At this rate, officer line-of-duty
deaths could near the 1930 toll of 312 fatalities, the most ever recorded by
the NLEOMF in a single year.
The NLEOMF also notes that the
first six months of this year have demonstrated that America’s law enforcement
officers are still battling the deadly effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with
some 71 officers dying as a result of contracting the disease while executing
official duties.
The 71 officers represent a decrease of 7% compared to the 76 officers who died of COVID-19 related causes during the first half of last year.
However, this would still make COVID-19 related fatalities the single highest cause of law enforcement deaths occurring in the first six months of 2021. [1]
National Fraternal Order of Police Report
Fast forward from the sobering
statistics from the NLEOMF report just one month to July 31, 2021. On this date, another heart wrenching report
is published by the National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP). In this report, there have been 185 officers
shot so far in 2021, 35 of whom were killed by gunfire. There have been 52 ambush-style attacks on
law enforcement officers in 2021, up 126 percent from 2020 YTD. This has resulted in 67 officers shot, 17 of
whom were killed. [2]
Chicago Police Officer Ella G. French: Rest in Eternal Peace
This wound has deepened this year with the continuous tragic headlines of officers killed while protecting and serving our communities.
One of the too many tragedies wounding America’s heart is the story of Chicago Police Officer Ella G. French.
Officer French, a 29-year-old
female, was shot and killed on Aug. 7, 2021.
Another officer was seriously wounded in an exchange of gunfire during a
traffic stop.
Officer French’s death was the
first fatality of a Chicago police officer since 2018, and the first female
officer killed in Chicago in the line of duty in 33 years.
In a Twitter post, the Chicago
Police Department stated, “We will never forget the true bravery she
exemplified as she laid down her life to protect others. Please hold her
family, loved ones and fellow Chicago Police Officers in your thoughts as we
grieve the loss of this hero.”
America’s Outpouring of Condolences
Additional condolences were
expressed from law enforcement throughout America. The sentiments include the following postings
on Twitter:
“Officer Ella French of the Chicago Police Department was
shot and killed last night while working on duty. Please continue to pray for the family of
Officer French and the fast recovery of her partner who was also shot. This violence towards LE must end!”
Commissioner Dermot
Shea, NYPD
“.@Chicago_Police PO Ella French & her partner were both
shot last night during a vehicle stop. Officer French succumbed to her injuries
& her partner is hospitalized fighting for his life. The hearts of the entire NYPD family go out
to our friends at Chicago PD.”
“We stand with our brothers and sisters of the Chicago
Police Department as they mourn the murder of Officer Ella French and pray for
the recovery of her partner. Both were ambushed during a traffic stop. Officer
French was 29 years old and the mother of a 2 month old child.”
Malden Police
Department, MA
“Thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of
the @Chicago_Police Department. Two Officers were shot in the line of duty last
night. One has died, and the other is
fighting for his life. Thanks to all who
continue to serve. Rest in Peace Officer
Ella French.”
Boston Police
Department, MA
“The men and women of the #BPD extend our sincere
condolences and sympathies to the family, friends, and coworkers of
@Chicago_Police. Officer Ella French
who was killed in the line of duty yesterday while protecting the citizens of
Chicago.”
Assistant Chief Wally
Hebeish, Long Beach Police Department, CA
“Chicago PD Officer Ella French, a mother and public
servant, was murdered last night while protecting her community. Her partner was also shot and remains in
critical condition. @LBPD offers
condolences to the Chicago Police Department and we pray for her partner’s
recovery.”
Chief Rodney
Harrison, NYPD Chief of Department
“The entire @NYPD mourns the loss of Police Officer Ella
French, who gave her life protecting the people of Chicago. Last night, Ella was shot and killed while
conducting a car stop. Another officer was also shot and critically wounded in
the same incident. May Ella Rest In Peace.”
Final Reflections
Officer Ella French and every hero who died protecting and
serving our communities deserve America’s eternal gratitude, remembrance, and
honor.
We must also be forever mindful of their families and
support them with unwavering compassion, sensitivity, and dignity.
America is the land of the free and home of the brave
because of these faithful servants.
We will eternally honor them, and forever hold their
families, friends, and law enforcement colleagues in our prayers.
Vincent J. Bove, CPP,
founder of Reawakening America LLC, is a national speaker and author with over
300 published works. Bove is recipient
of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the
New York Yankees. He is a partner with
Global Security Resolutions LLC and served as spokesperson for a coalition of
Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families. His most recent books are Reawakening
America and Listen To Their Cries.
Related: www.vincentbove.com and
Twitter @vincentjbove
Note Well: This article was published in The Chief of Police, Fall 2021 edition and distributed hard copy to police chiefs and law enforcement executives nationwide.
PHOTOS:
1. NYPD Sergeant at prayer, Our Lady of Mount
Carmel Church, Brooklyn, NYC, June 26, 2017. A memorial Mass was held honoring officers
who died in the line of duty. The names of 36 fallen officers were read. All of the most recent had died due to
illnesses contracted while working at Ground Zero. (Courtesy NYPD news)
2. Chicago Police Officer Ella G. French (Courtesy
Chicago Police Department)
3. Collage with Chicago police officers gathering
outside University of Chicago Medical Center on Aug. 7, 2021 to support Officer Ella G. French and the
officer in uniform. (Photos courtesy Chicago Police Department)
[1]
2021 MID-YEAR PRELIMINARY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FATALITIES REPORT (NLEOMF)
http://nleomf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-Mid-Year-Fatality-Report_FINAL.pdf
[2]
NATIONAL FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, MONTHLY UPDATE: LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
SHOT AND KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, Aug. 2, 2021 https://files.fop.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/report-20210802-Officers-Shot-Killed-Monthly-Update.pdf
Labels: In Remembrance, Law Enforcement, Policing
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 2:08 PM
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