The Community Room of the 3rd District is re-dedicated to the memory of Officer Dorelle Brandon, first female CPD officer killed in the line of duty

The Chicago Police Department’s 3rd District welcomed retirees, active members, community members, friends and family to a re-dedication ceremony of their community room in honor of fallen Officer Dorelle C. Brandon on the 41st anniversary of her death on January 24. Officer Brandon was shot and killed in the line of duty on January 25, 1984, becoming the first female Chicago Police officer killed in the line of duty.

Lieutenant Yolanda Irvin of the 3rd District welcomed the crowd into the newly renovated room, which features a sketch of Officer Brandon created by community member Roman Martin-Fox.

Superintendent Larry Snelling spoke of Officer Brandon’s resilience as a minority woman working in a male-dominated field.

“I remember my mother knew who she was, and she used to talk about her, how tough she was,” Superintendent Snelling said. “You have to think about those times, and the resilience that anybody had to have for this job, but especially the women, and being a minority woman on top of that.”

Superintendent Larry Snelling shows pictures of Officer Dorelle Brandon in the academy with her husband Matt.
First VP of FOP Mike Mette presents 3rd District Commander Melvin Branch and Matt Brandon with an honorary plaque in memory of Officer Dorelle Brandon.

Also speaking on Officer Brandon’s resilience, Chief Yolanda Talley stated, “Serving in an era when the role of police officers was predominantly male, Officer Dorelle C. Brandon broke barriers with her determination and unwavering spirit.”

Officer Brandon’s family has a long legacy within the Chicago Police Department. Her stepfather, Norman White, retired as a detective. Her husband, Matt, is a retired CPD officer. Her stepson, Sean, and her niece Tonya, are both active members of the department. Matt, Sean and Tonya were among the Chicago Police Department family who sat in the audience as friends and CPD leaders praised Officer Brandon’s toughness and dedication.

“Dorelle’s legacy is one of courage, and her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her, and those of us who continue to serve in her honor,” – Chief Yolanda Talley

Many former members of the 3rd District were also in the audience, including Officer Brandon’s tactical teammates who were working alongside her on the night she was killed.

Retired 3rd District officer Audrey Duerson-Carter designed the police K9 statue which was unveiled during the rededication ceremony. Officer Brandon’s name and face adorn the ceramic Labrador, funded by 3rd District personnel, Inspection Division Commander Evelynna Quarterman, and the business community in the 3rd District. These statues are found across the city and in police facilities as part of K9 for Cops, a joint effort between PAWS Chicago and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation in support of our fallen and catastrophically injured officers and their families.

Officer Brandon’s memorial K9 for Cops statue, designed by Audrey Duerson-Carter, is showcased in the lobby of the 3rd District.
Chief of Patrol Jon P. Hein greets Sister Rita Pritchett, a retired 3rd District officer who worked with Dorelle Brandon.

The Dorelle C. Brandon Community Room will host multiple engagements throughout the year for community members served by the 3rd District, including beat meetings and events for youth and senior citizens of the Greater Grand Crossing area.

To learn more about Officer Dorelle C. Brandon’s legacy, you can visit https://cpdmemorial.org/fallen-officers/patrolman-dorelle-corrine-brandon-star-2684/


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