On National Police Woman Day, 12 September 2026, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) conducted a renaming ceremony for its 3rd District Station. The station was renamed and dedicated to the memory of fallen CPD Police Officer Dorelle C. Brandon. In 1984, Officer Brandon tragically became the first female CPD officer killed in the line of duty. First Deputy Superintendent Antoinette Ursitti, and several others, spoke to the role of women in policing, and the trail Officer Brandon helped to blaze. At the ceremony, Interim Superintendent Fred Waller spoke of Officer Brandon’s service. Forty-two years after her death, the renaming of the station is a reminder that her service remains an inspiration. The profession and community have not forgotten her service and sacrifice.
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Officer Brandon Remembered
Officer Brandon, Star #2684, was 35 years-old at the time her watch ended. She had 5 years, 10 months, and 29 days with the CPD. At the time of her death she was assigned to the Tactical Unit of the 3rd District. In the early morning hours of 25 January 1984, she and her partner, Clarence Keith, were conducting an undercover narcotics investigation. Officer Brandon was attempting a “controlled buy” near 107th Street and Calumet Avenue on the city’s South Side. While she attempted to arrest an offender, a struggle ensued and she became the tragic victim of gunfire. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation site provides a fuller description of this incident.
The Police Officer Dorelle C. Brandon, 3rd District, Station services the Grand Crossing community and surrounding neighborhoods. The station is located at 7040 S. Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago.
Photo Essay Images
All photos in this gallery by Thomas Lemmer, (c) 2026.
Ceremony Participants
Numerous family members, city and CPD officials, police officers, and community members, attended the ceremony. Family members included her husband, Matthew Brandon, Jr, a retired CPD officer. Also from the family, and CPD members, were Sean Brandon (stepson) and Tonya Scott (niece). Additional family members present were Barbara Brandon (daughter), Marvin Brandon (stepson), Curtis Cannon (brother), and Faye Russell (aunt).
Mayor Brandon Johnson and 6th Ward Alderman William Hull were among the participating city officials. In addition to CPD Interim Superintendent Waller, and First Deputy Superintendent Ursitti, 3rd District Commander John Cleggett, Deputy Chief Jill Stevens, and Captain Yolanda Irvin provided remarks. Also participating was Sandra J. Wortham, the Executive Board President of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Ms. Wortham is herself a Gold Star Family member. Her brother, Probationary Police Officer Thomas Wortham IV, was killed in the line of duty in 2010.
Always remember the fallen and their Gold Star Families.
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