Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Officer Frank Graham

I remember you from my early childhood. You always brought our family A big Turkey when times where tough for my parents with 5 kids at the time. I was at your house a lot playing with Eileen . You did a great job raising your kids They all turned out to be outstanding , Even though you left them way too early. Rest In Peace.
I also still pray for your partner who was hurt really bad that night JD I hope and pray you are still doing well.



Becky Fults- Wallace
Neighbor Rip PO Graham.

Becky Fults Wallace
Family friend/ Neighbor

August 16, 2018

Our continued thoughts go out to the family of Francis Graham. We will always remember the fallen.

Love,

Your brothers and sisters of the UCPOA

J. Woodland
UCPOA

February 22, 2018

I passed by that house on Canton Avenue a few days ago. I go by there once a year or so. Not because Officer Graham died there, but because I grew up in the house next door. I had grown up, served four years in the Air Force and returned home. I was married in 1972 so I was gone. I can't remember if my Mom still lived their in 1976 or not. I was happy when I visited Canton Ave. a few days ago. My old house is finally being renovated. It's been run down for several years. And then I always stop and look at "That House." and wonder why did this happen? So very sad even after 41 years. RIP Officer Graham. You are still thought well of by people who didn't even know you.

Jay Emmer
The house next door

December 8, 2017

Dear Officer Graham,

I remember the times I would come to your house to play with my childhood friend Eileen... your daughter. It seemed you were either coming or going... always in uniform. It made the world feel like a safer place... at least to to this little girl. Then there are always those bizarre memories that linger ... like your front yard full of pancakes ... was it pancakes? I remember thinking "Who would put pancakes in a police officers yard?".
Then I remember the night my mom came upstairs to tell me that you died. I was 8 years old.... I cried myself to sleep... I didn't understand then and I still never will understand your senseless and timely departure. I stood at attention... as rows of children lined a pathway to your funeral... so many people there loved you ... you are missed.

Elizabeth Petrovics - aka - Mooper
Neighbor

February 23, 2015

I too was one of Frank's kids from the block, my best friend and band mate's was Michael Graham. We were at a band practice that night, when we found out what happened, Michael rushed home after hearing the news. Frank and Anne Graham were like a second set of parents too me, Frank was a Father as well as soccer coach for many kids growing up in the Christ the King church parrish, their house was the gathering place for all the kids on the block. I often think about Mr. Frank Graham, Rip you were well Loved, an I will never forget how I grieved for this senseless loss of such a good, loving an caring man you were, the good are always taken way too soon!!

Hugh McCaffrey
one of Frank's kids from the 7200 block of Dorset ave.

February 22, 2015

The Final Inspection

The Policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
just as brightly as his brass.

"STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN.
HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU?
HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED
THE OTHER CHEEK?
TO MY CHURCH, HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

The Policeman squared his shoulders
and said "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Cause those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk was rough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awful tough.

But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I've worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help.
Though at times, I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't, I'll understand.

There was silence all around the Throne,
where the Saints had often trod,
As the Policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.

"STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN.
YOU'VE BORNE YOUR
BURDENS WELL.
COME WALK A BEAT
ON HEAVEN'S STREETS.
YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL."

Never forgotten, always admired.

My love to the the Graham Family.

Sandy Fults Shriver
Neighbor and friend of family

February 22, 2015

To the family of Officer Frank Graham: Several years ago I read St. Louis Post Dipatch journalist Bill McClellan's book, which contains the article on Officer Graham, and was very moved. I felt like I really got a sense of how special of person he was, not only as an officer, but also as a father, husband, and community member. Since then on several occasions I have read the article to the junior high classes at our local school during "Read Aloud Day," which is when community members come and read to school kids emphasizing the importance of books. I read it to emphasize not only the dangers police officers face, but also how it can affect their families, especially when one gives the ultimate sacrifice. I hope you find peace this day, and know your loved one is not forgotten.

Lt. Alan Hucke
Millstadt Police Department

February 22, 2015

I happened upon this page when a friend of mine wanted to make a virtual garden to remember fallen officers. The garden is called: "Officer Down Garden is to pay respect for Police Officers that have fallen while on duty". There is a hobby my wife & I do called MUNZEE. We use smart phones to cap physical & virtual QR codes. I thought of Officer Graham to be honored on my virtual Munzee.

Officer Graham was my neighbor, soccer coach & Father to my friend Michael. I do think of him often but especially on my birthday, since we share the same day. I do miss the dinners I had @ their house when Mrs. Graham would make ribs.

Officer Graham, thanks for the memories & accepting me into your home, life & for your service in our community. Love & Blessings to you all.

Larry Johnson

December 28, 2014

Remembering out farther today.

Eileen

February 22, 2014

Mike, Monica, Ann Marie, Eileen and Kathleen~ I can't believe it has been 37 years since your Father died. I remember that night like it was yesterday, we all cried and I could not go to sleep.. I kept thinking that maybe it was a mistake and that I would wake up in the morning and find out that everything was ok. I couldn't imagine the pain that each of you and your Mom were going through. I am so grateful to have known both of your parents and your family. Both your Mom and Dad were so funny and fun. Your Dad really was a model of the word 'community', always giving so much of his time and care. We grew up in a wonderful neighborhood and parish and I will always have the fondest memories of those days growing up in U.City.

I know that your Dad is smiling down upon the beautiful family that he has watched grow over the years. Love and blessings to each of you and your families.

Sandy Fults Shriver
Neighbor and Friend

February 23, 2013

Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to write a reflection. Still saddens me that my daughters will never know their wonderful grandfather, especially my youngest who shares his passion for all sports, especially soccer. Dad definitley lived his life with love and gusto! He only wanted the best for the youth of our community.

Monica Graham Fanning

February 22, 2013

Officer Francis J. Graham, helped me out when I was in trouble, was a soccer coach of mine who allowed me to grow as a player, and was an all around outstanding human being who would have helped anyone. I was devastated by his senseless death and will always remember playing step ball at their house or any other sports we used to play as kids on Dorset Ave. Your house was always open to the neighborhood kids and you are still missed to this day.

Daniel J. McCaffrey, Ret U.S. Army MSG
One of Franks kids

February 22, 2013

My neighbor, soccer coach, talked me into the U. City Police Cadet program, great friend, father, community leader....I was on duty in W.St. Louis County when the call went out......my heart goes out to Frank's family, and today will be a sad recollection.

Riccardo Spurgeon, Retired
Creve Coeur Police

February 22, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminsihe respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. I thank your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 22, 2012

Lest we forget. Godspeed.

Det. Michael S. Gage
University City Police Department

February 22, 2012

Thanks for your 7 years of services.

David

February 22, 2012

I just stumbled upon this today for the first time. It’s amazing that it has been 35 years. I am now the age my dad was when he died. Now I realize how young he truly was. It’s lovely to read these messages and know my father is still alive in many hearts. Thank you for remembering. He is my guardian angel.

Eileen Graham Hankin
daughter

March 13, 2011

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 1, 2008

Dear officer Graham,

I was friend to your daughter and neighbor as well. I remember the huge pile of pancakes someone left on your lawn one morning, and the sense of humor you had about it. I remember the night my mother woke me up to tell me that you had been killed. I was in the second grade and didn't have a full grasp on what had just happened, but had a sick feeling over the news. This morning I came to work at the justice center and heard similiar news once again. One of U.City's finest shot and killed. I didn't know who it was and was really upset because I know quite of few officers. My Heart still goes out to your family, and now to the family of the recently deceased Sargent.

Liz Hinds
BWJC RN. Family friend

November 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 13, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 11, 2007

Frank was my soccer coach in grade school, lived behind my apartment,and worked a Mc Donald Douglas when I met him..He was instrumental in my becoming a police officer..He was shot and killed while responding with officer Joe Didden, who was also severely wounded..Frank was one of the kindest,gentlest people I have ever known..to this day, Oct 23, 2006, I still think of him..
R

Rick Spurgeon, ex Police Office
University City/Creve Coeur

October 23, 2006

Frank, I was 14 when this happened but I can remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the phone call and the look on my dads face when he told us. I remember worrying about Mike and the other kids. Now I'm a year older than you were when it happened and that seems surreal. Your daughter teaches where my daughter will go to school next year and I hope she gets her for a teacher. We still miss you.

May 12, 2006

Dear Officer Graham--
I recently had a chance to tell your story to some folks in St. Louis on the St. Louis airwaves. I am your age now, 42, and was 13 when you died. I will always remember you as my soccer coach at Christ The King and still hear the jingle of your keychain as you ran up and down the sidelines telling us to run run run. I know you fit the coaching in with the buisness of your job and your growing family. Thank you for the memories and thank you for your service to our community. I am forever an advocate of the police in large part because of you. I think about and pray for your family often.
Sincerely,
Jamie

Jamie Allman
97.1 FM Talk

February 11, 2006

Frank,
You were a friend of my Dads for many years , and my basketball coach at school. My family respects you as a person, and I have the ultimate respect for your service Thank you, we think of you often

Patrolman Robert Tabers III
University City 381

January 24, 2006