LaGraff graduates from police academy, named officer of week
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Officer Jeremy LaGraff graduated from the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center in Selma, receiving his APOST Certification in August 2016.
LaGraff and his wife, Kinlyn, make their home in Opp. He is currently assigned to the FTO program and working with FTO Gene Jackson on “C” Shift under the direction of Sgt. Nic Ireland and Lt. Alice Donaldson.
Officer LaGraff is a graduate of the Opp City Schools and is a proud fan of the Opp Bobcats and the Alabama Crimson Tide. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending his days off with his wife and family. LaGraff says Fridays are his favorite days to work and his favorite meal would be crawfish.
LaGraff offered the following advice for anyone wanting to join law enforcement and why he chose law enforcement as a career, “It’s something you really have to want. You have to have a loving and understanding family that supports you through everything you go through day in and day out. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Just coming out of the academy I’ve already learned it’s something that I enjoy waking up to do every day. It gives me the opportunity to give back to the community I grew up with.”
LaGraff plans to continue his career at Andalusia Police Department and move up in the ranks hoping to make sergeant as his first goal.
“Young, mature, hard-working officers are rare. Officers who want to risk their lives, put everything on the line for a country that is fighting so hard against them, make the job of employing good, honest, hardworking men and women – that much more difficult,” Chief Paul Hudson said. “When we hired Jeremy, we were lucky to find what we were looking for. He gives it his all, he’s dedicated to his department and his shift, and he looks forward to learning more about the career he’s chosen. While he’s just a “rookie” he’s already showing his ability to lead and set an example for others.”