CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The day after Chicago Police Officer Ella French was buried Saturday, thousands of fellow officers and their supporters came out for the 17th annual Run To Remember at the Gold Star Families Memorial along the lakefront.
This year’s 5K race had special meaning for many, especially since they couldn’t run in person last year and coming so soon after French’s fatal shooting.
While much of the department has been in mourning, Phil Cline, executive director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, said the race has a more celebratory tone.
“We’re celebrating their lives. And that’s what all of these people coming out to show their support to the families,” Cline told WBBM Newsradio.
Robert Gordon is among the relatives remembering the fallen.
“My brother Michael was killed 17 years ago as a Chicago police officer, so I look forward to seeing his photo at the finish. So that’s what makes me finish strong,” Gordon said.
He joined a large group of Berwyn police officers paying tribute and raising money for the foundation, which pays for tuition, books and other educational expenses for the children of officers killed or severely injured in the line of duty.
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