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EVENTS
Out and About Supporting Our Officers
01
November
2025
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Chicago Police FOP Lodge Hall,
1412 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607 United States
1412 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607 United States
Join CPD Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., Yanez Familia & Friends for a Dia de los Muertos Fiesta! Proceeds donated to Light the Line $50 Tickets Include: Refreshments, Food & Music! […]
30
October
2025
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Firewater Saloon,
6689 N Oliphant Ave
Chicago, IL 60631 United States
6689 N Oliphant Ave
Chicago, IL 60631 United States
Stop by the 4th Annual Northwest Side Monster Bash for live music and Halloween fun! Proceeds will benefit Light the Line & The Garrido Stray Rescue Project Thursday, October 30, […]
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Elizabeth French is a lifelong Chicago-area resident and recently retired after 27 years of teaching Special Education in Berwyn South District 100. A devoted mother to her two adopted children, Andrew and the late Chicago Police Officer Ella French, Elizabeth has long been committed to service, previously fostering children through Catholic Charities and teaching religious education to individuals with developmental disabilities through SPRED. She also supports animal welfare by fostering dogs through Small Paws Rescue. Deeply dedicated to charitable causes that benefit communities, first responders, children, and animals, Elizabeth’s passion for service is now especially focused on Light the Line, an organization founded in honor of her daughter Ella, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2021.
Elizabeth French
Driven by a childhood dream and inspired by his father, Carlos Yanez Jr. began his path to becoming a police officer through the Chicago Police & Fire Training Academy. Though the journey took a detour into construction and property management, he proudly joined the Chicago Police Department in 2014, serving primarily in the 7th District (Englewood) and later on specialized teams including the Tactical Team, Saturation, and Community Safety Team. He was preparing to join the Bomb Unit when tragedy struck on August 7, 2021, and left him with severe injuries, including facial fractures, the loss of his right eye, hearing damage, and a traumatic brain injury that caused paralysis. This is the same event that also claimed the life of fellow officer Ella Grace French. Despite the heartbreak of losing his career and enduring lasting physical and emotional challenges, he remains deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from loved ones and strangers alike. Married to Brenda since 2010 and father to their son CJ, he continues to fight daily for strength and recovery, inspired by those around him and the extended family he’s gained through this journey.
Carlos Yanez
Rhonda Anderson, a lifelong Chicagoan from Gage Park, is a Lieutenant in the Chicago Police Department and a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness, particularly within the first responder community. With academic credentials including a bachelor’s in psychology and two master’s degrees, Rhonda’s journey began as a certified Personal Trainer and Clinical Exercise Specialist before joining CPD nearly 24 years ago. A personal health crisis led her to explore alternative healing modalities beyond conventional medicine, ultimately restoring her health and sparking a passion to help others do the same. She now holds multiple certifications—including Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Somatic Breathwork Practitioner, HeartMath Practitioner, and Advanced Professional in the Biology of Trauma—and mentors others on the impact of nervous system regulation. Committed to lifelong learning, Rhonda continues to pursue advanced certifications while educating and empowering officers to find their own paths to healing, resilience, and vitality.
Rhonda Anderson
OUR MISSION
Promoting the Well-Being of Those Who Serve
Light The Line offers a suite of services provided by thoroughly vetted, culturally competent professionals who are experts in the unique well-being needs of law enforcement officers. Light the Line will provide resources utilizing the first of its kind law enforcement mobile well-being unit.