Memorial Park Dedicated

A fitting gesture:

• More than 200 people gathered in Garfield Ridge on Sunday afternoon, a sea of blue — including many wearing “Garfield Ridge Strong” shirts — for the unveiling of a statue in honor of fallen Chicago Police Officer Ella French.

  Elizabeth French, Ella’s mother, was brought to tears as she and Officers Carlos Yanez Jr. and Joshua Blas — who were with Ella French the night she was killed — unveiled the statue in Wentworth Park, shortly before the crowd sang “Happy birthday” on what would have been the fallen officer’s 34th birthday.

  Elizabeth French said the statue “captured the beauty and essence of Ella” and was “healing.” The statue sits near a dog park bearing the animal-loving officer’s name.

  But like any parent who has suffered such a loss: “You’d rather have your child,” she said.

RIP Officer.