City's First Black Female Cmdr. Loses Battle With Cancer

The first black woman to become a commander in the Pittsburgh Police Department has died.

Gwen Elliott passed away Monday morning, losing her battle with brain cancer.

During her decades on the force, Elliott oversaw programs that helped Pittsburgh's most vulnerable neighbors: missing persons, children and the elderly.

"She wanted to get the bad guys," said Esther Bush of the Urban League of Pittsburgh. "She also wanted to help those caught in the middle. Even if you were a bad guy, she'd help you see there is another way."
Elliott retired about five years ago but started "Gwen's Girls," a safe haven for at-risk girls ages 8 to 18, which still serves Allegheny County.

"Gwen was a true trailblazer," said Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper. "She had a heart of gold."

"She was a person with the biggest heart you'd ever want to see," said Lyne Knezevich of Gwen's Girls. "She was extremely generous and kind."

Visitation will be held at Mount Ararat Baptist Church on 271 Paulson Avenue in Pittsburgh on May 16 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.