Page 22 - March 2022

My View: Honoring Ella French
It’s been a little over six months, but the sound of her laugh feels like yester- day.
We know that people have a percep- tion of the police. Whether it is male or female, race, etc., the bias unfortunately exists.
When I started the academy, not wear- ing makeup and stripping down my ap- pearance was difficult for me, but when I looked around, we were all on the same page, each beginning the first chapter of our own story. When I eventually got to the 10th District, I made a few friends, became a little more comfortable, and I felt I was able to express myself and my individuality. A little sprinkle of Haley dazzled across the appearance of Officer Mirabelli.
When I first saw Ella French, I knew that she was a force to be reckoned with. That small sprinkle of me was nothing compared to the decoration of her. She graced the hallways with her red lipstick, the latest Nike kicks, new tactical pants, a clean and organized vest, makeup per- fectly applied, sporting a full sleeve of tattoos, toting Gucci sunglasses on her head.
The difference between reading this and actually seeing it in person is hard to describe. The unapologetic, authentic confidence you saw in her stride when she walked past you was just different. She never fit the bias, the mold.
But make no mistake, Ella was tough. When I was around her, I felt invincible, fearless, protected. Her ability to be the girliest girl in the room, but at the same time the strongest and most unstoppa- ble woman in the room, was simply un- matched. If you didn’t know Ella but she walked past you even once, you remem- bered her. That was who she was: truly unforgettable.
When I got deployed to Summer Mo- bile during the summer of 2020 and Ella asked me to be her partner, I felt some
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sort of higher responsibility. OK, I need to be tough as nails, strong as hell and fearless as ... well, you know the rest.
Never did I question my own abilities until I was around her. She was just so smart. She knew everything, was so tac- tical, so brave — all while smiling, laugh- ing and just being herself. Effortlessly unstoppable.
That summer, I learned so much from being partners with Ella. At the front lines of downtown Chicago during the riots, we stood side by side, better and stronger together. We never left each other’s side; we were “that duo.” Wheth- er we would get in trouble together, get an arrest together, get hurt together, cry together, you name it, we endured it all together. I still laugh about all the crazy things we went through that summer, enough to write a book.
I went on to my next endeavors with a newfound confidence, an array of knowl- edge and a fearless attitude. I taught others new tactics, guiding, mentoring, just like how she did with me. Ella and I spent hours a day on the phone, called
each other crying or laughing when we needed to. We hung out outside of work, becoming best friends — “twin flames,” as a lot of people would call us.
Her smile could shut down a whole room, her presence demanded attention and her laugh would make any bad day better. I wish I could thank her for the confidence she has given me to be un- apologetically myself.
Let me tell you this: If anyone was go- ing to change the world, it was going to be Ella. Her story tore down the lines that divided us in a time where that seemed impossible. She opened the eyes of the world, making people realize that police officers are just like you: a sister, a friend, a daughter. She has inspired women across the country to join the force, giv- ing them the strength to know that even in a male-dominated field, they too can be unstoppable.
Being able to share Ella’s story has been the greatest gift. My guardian angel, my hero, my best friend, my inspiration. I miss you. —Your Hay Hay
Haley Mirabelli
Unstoppable, Unforgettable Ella