OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Today marks the anniversary of the passing of Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham, a respected figure in Ocala who served the Ocala Police Department (OPD) for over 30 years.
Chief Graham, who began his career as a patrol officer in 1983, rose through the ranks to become deputy chief before briefly departing to serve as police chief in Cedar Rapids, IA, from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, he returned to Ocala, where he was appointed Chief of Police, a position he held until his untimely death in an airplane crash on Oct. 25, 2020.
During his tenure, those at OPD say that Chief Graham was known not only for his commitment to law enforcement but for his dedication to community betterment. He was instrumental in launching OPD’s 2018 drug amnesty program, designed to support people struggling with addiction. Chief also served on numerous nonprofit boards and took part in impactful community programs, always emphasizing service beyond his role as a chief.
Outside of his work, his friends and co-workers at OPD remember Chief Graham as an adventurer at heart. They say that he was known as a barefoot skier, scuba diver, skydiver, and pilot, inspiring those around him both on and off duty.
They note that his five principles for OPD officers — to “Do the right thing,” “Ask for forgiveness instead of permission,” “Find a way to say ‘Yes,’” “Treat everyone with respect,” and “Have fun” — continue to guide the department’s approach today.
To honor his legacy, the Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation was established to support nonprofits close to his heart. For more information, visit GregGrahamFoundation.org.
Editor’s note: I met Chief while presenting at the Marion County Public Schools Student Media Awards. It was his first time presenting at the live, televised event. While rehearsing our lines, he gave me his lie story in a nutshell.
I was fortunate enough to have several run-ins with Chief – the good kind, not the, “Ms. Dugan, do you know why you were pulled over?” kind. He was always kind, always smiling, and always offered his support not just to friends, co-workers and family, but to the community he served and loved.