[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OFFICER DORELLE C. BRANDON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 23, 2025

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of a Chicago Police Department hero, Officer Dorelle C. 
Brandon. Officer Brandon was tragically killed in the line of duty 40 
years ago, marking the first time in our city's history that a female 
officer laid down her life in the line of duty. As we reflect on her 
life and legacy, I want to pay tribute to her selfless service and 
commitment to our beloved Chicago.
  Born in Chicago on December 27, 1948, to Charles and Dolores Brandon, 
Dorelle attended St. Joachim Grammar School and graduated from Harlan 
high school. After graduation, she was appointed to the Chicago Police 
Department on February 27, 1978, following in her father's footsteps. 
Throughout her tenure she earned three department commendations, a unit 
meritorious performance award, twenty honorable mentions and two 
complimentary letters.
  Officer Brandon served our city and community with courage, 
dedication, and compassion for five years. She was tragically taken 
from us on the morning of January 24, 1984. While serving undercover, 
Officer Brandon and her partner attempted to arrest a drug dealer. The 
suspect resisted arrest and began to struggle with Officer Brandon 
attempting to grab her service weapon. Her partner then opened fire on 
the suspect and unfortunately struck Officer Brandon on accident.
  Her story and sacrifice remind us of the danger law enforcement 
officers face every day. As the first female officer of the Chicago 
Police Department to lay down her life in the line of duty, she was a 
tragic trailblazer who will forever be remembered for her selflessness 
and bravery.
  Officer Brandon is survived by her devoted husband, Matthew, who 
first saw Dorelle while standing in line at the Chicago Police Academy 
in January of 1978. While he was waiting in line with a fellow officer, 
Matthew said ``Do you see that girl over there? She's going to be my 
wife.'' After meeting, they became inseparable and shared a readily 
apparent love and devotion to one another that continues to this day.
  Officer Brandon was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. She is 
remembered by her husband, Matthew, daughter, Barbara Sharee Cannon, 
stepsons: Marvin Edward Brandon and Sean Scot Brandon, parents Charles 
and Dolore, stepfather, Norman White and her three brothers and five 
sisters.
  This Friday, my fellow Chicagoans will gather to immortalize her 
sacrifice by naming the community room of the Chicago Police Department 
3rd precinct office after her. I hope that her memory will continue to 
inspire others to public service and remind us of the great feats of 
heroism our brave officers perform on our behalf every day. May God 
continue to watch over them and keep them safe.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Officer 
Dorelle C. Brandon's service and sacrifice.

                          ____________________