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Health & Fitness

SPD Officer Chris Graeff: Helping Others in Need

The Smyrna Heroes Gala invites you to meet Hero Officer Chris Graeff (SPD). Support him and others at the Gala 9.8.12.

The Smyrna Heroes Gala (www.SmyrnaHeroesGala.com) celebrates our local police, fire, and safety officers at the annual Gala, held this year on 9.8.12 at historic Brawner Hall, Atlanta Road, Smyrna. In order for the community to learn more about these everyday heroes who answer our calls 24/7, the Gala posts profiles such as this one on the website and the Smyrna Auction for Heroes Facebook page. Please take a moment to read about Officer Graeff and his committment to our community, and make plans to attend this year's Gala and support, honor, and remember our heroes.  

“I’ve been interested in becoming a police officer since my early teens,” said Chris Graeff.  “When I was 13, I thought it was a really cool job,” he continued.  “You can drive fast and carry a gun.”  As he matured, however, he learned that being a police officer meant much more. Police officers frequently encounter people at one of the worse times in their lives, and as Graeff commented, “I can help people who truly need help.”

Graeff came to the Smyrna PD about a year ago. He finds rewards in his career. He offered an example that occurred at his previous posting with Cobb County: he arrested an individual who later actually thanked him for the arrest.  This arrest involved a call Graeff answered about a man and women actively fighting, both aggressors in the situation.  As he learned, the woman also battled an alcohol problem.  He arrested both individuals, and the woman was subsequently sentenced to some jail time.  While in jail, she sobered up.  Upon her release she started attending meetings for her alcohol addiction.  Later, Graeff was on a call in her neighborhood on an unrelated matter.  The woman recognized Graeff, approached him, and thanked him for arresting her.  It was the start on her road to sobriety; a much-needed (and appreciated, as it turned out) wake-up call.

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To maintain balance in his life, Graeff requires a “clear separation between my personal and professional lives.”  His 4-year old daughter is a key factor in that separation.  They spend time going to the park, kid’s museums, and the zoo.  “I forget about everything else,” he said.  “Making her happy is my #1 priority.” 

Graeff’s 1000+ hours of training include training in DUIs, interviews and interrogations, and LIDAR (speed detection device).  He also has Active Shooter and Advanced Firearms Training.  He’s trained in CPR, commenting that people may be surprised to learn “how many times police officers come upon a medical situation.” He looks forward to earning a position with more responsibility, perhaps federally, perhaps in investigation such as robbery/homicide.

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Welcome to our community, Officer Graeff, and thank you for bringing your skills to the SPD. 

For tickets and more information see www.SmyrnaHeroesGala.com and the Smyrna Auction for Heroes Facebook page. Proceeds benefit the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation (SPSF, www.smyrnapsf.org), which funds programs for our Police and Fire Departments and the community at large.

 

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