In Memoriam: Sgt. Greg Graff

In Memoriam: Sgt. Greg Graff

A Life of Dedicated Service

At 61 years old, Sgt. Greg Graff had devoted seven years to the Pinellas County Schools Police, overseeing safety across the district’s campuses. Prior to that, he had nearly three decades (29 years) of service with the City of Douglasville Police Department in Georgia

On the afternoon of July 30, 2025, Sgt. Graff collapsed unexpectedly while participating in an active assailant training exercise followed by indoor classroom instruction at Clearwater High School. He was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter—just before 4:15 p.m. local time

He is survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren, who were among those deeply impacted by his sudden passing

Legacy of Courage and Commitment

• Champion of School Safety: Sgt. Graff played a key role in developing and leading proactive safety measures, including training faculty and staff on emergency response, lockdown procedures, and active assailant preparedness.

• Veteran Mentor: With nearly 30 years in law enforcement before joining the school system, he brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Colleagues remember him as a supportive leader who guided new officers and nurtured a culture of preparedness and vigilance.

• Community Builder: Graff developed strong ties within local schools and district leadership. He was appreciated for his approachability, clear communication, and deep-rooted support for students and staff alike.

A Community in Mourning and Remembrance

• Pinellas County Schools and the Sheriff’s Office issued heartfelt statements praising Sgt. Graff for his dedication to student safety and professionalism.

• Clearwater High School marked his bedside vigil with flowers and tributes from staff and students who felt the weight of his loss personally.

• Memorial services are being planned in accordance with tradition, following protocols similar to Clearwater’s annual fallen-officer ceremonies held at Station Square Park—complete with honor guards, bagpipers, and ceremonial remembrances. While Sgt. Graff’s arrival into Clearwater law enforcement doesn’t place him within the city department’s fallen-officer roster, his service to the school community places him forever in their collective memory

Remembering Sgt. Graff: A Tribute

Reflection

Sgt. Greg Graff’s passing is a sobering reminder of the unseen sacrifices made by those who safeguard our schools every day. His legacy isn’t just in training drills or protocols—but in the peace of mind he provided countless students, evoking a commitment to safety that goes beyond mere policy.

His life story—nearly 30 years in traditional policing, seven years in school safety leadership, and relentless service to a community he deeply cared for—stands as a testament to dedication, courage, and compassion.