Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Cousin Brian,
I was only 8 years old when this tragic incident occurred. I was kept from the tragic details at the time of what had happen, but I do recall the deep sadness our family felt at the time of your passing. I reflect on the stories my father and mother told me as I was growing up on what type of man you were and how you impacted so many people. It was those memories that lead me to pursue a career as a police officer as well. Now retired, I continue to think of you often and share your memory and heroism to my two boys and generations to come. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again in Heaven, God Bless.

Bill Graft
Sunset Hills PD
December 2023

William Graft Police Officer
Cousin/Sunset Hills PD

December 7, 2023

As you remember Office Graft remember that he wasn’t alone.His partner was shot other officers were shot A civilian also lost his life … Life lost is a loss … I was 3 years old when this happened … I don’t remember anything … I do know my grandmother kept Les’s picture up always … As a EMT …all emergency services lives are at risk… Walk the Line Blue … never a day goes by that someone thinks of you … Also as a 22 year aTruck driver a hero is a hero… when an officer is shot people do run to help … Leslie West was one …GOD has them all…

Christine Wyatt
Niece of Leslie West

October 22, 2023

My brother Clarence Leslie West jr was the truck driver killed on that day also.. we remember and honor all every year

Judy west scott
Sister of other victim

June 10, 2023

My dad was a friend of Brian’s. I was just a baby when he was killed but I will always remember your name because my father Michael Benson always talked to highly of you and what an impact you made on him.

Cara Benson Seeber
Daughter of Sgt. Michael Benson

October 26, 2022

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 6, 2019

Rest in peace Detective Graft.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2019

My brother was the officer shot with Brian. I think of Brian and his family often, I have never forgotten him, I wish I had met him. God Bless his family, I am so sorry for your loss, I know it's been years but I know it still hurts.

Barb Bonney

Barb Bonney
Sister of Bruce Bonney

July 9, 2016

Detective Brian Graft,

On this 47th anniversary of your death, I was doing a search and found this memorial for you. You were my uncle, my godfather and my friend. I have memories of you giving me shoulder rides and being silly. I do not remember you death. I only remember the sadness it brought the family. They did and still do miss you terribly.

My father, your brother reveals very little detail about your death. I have a book from the St. Louis PD that tells you story. Grandma made sure that we knew the meaning of family and gave us a place to be a family and create fantastic memories. I wish you could have enjoyed it with us.

I think of you often and miss you terribly. I hope you are enjoying your time with your parents. I love you, Uncle Brian!

Christine Graft Borrero (Chrissy)
Niece and goddaughter

May 5, 2016

Detective Graft -
You were my Uncle! I was only three and sadly don't remember you specifically! But, I have always remembered you as my family! You were the quiet time that we let Daddy have when we were little. You were the proud moments Granny had every holiday. And you were the special moments when your Mom always made sure we knew what family meant! I have only recently had the opportunity to ask about your death. My Dad still won't talk about it. He stillr holds you and all of his emotions about you as a very special piece of him. Please know that we have always been proud to have you in ou family and miss you every day. Than you for your sevice and being the man, officer, son, brother and uncle that you were! Love you -Miss you!

Nichole (Nicki)
Niece

October 11, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 6, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 6, 2010

We were classmates at CBC high school and while I was in the Army you joined the PD. When I was discharged in 1966
you were already on and I was trying to play "catch up" to you as you were already a Detective. What a shock, you were the "Best" and as someone else on this site recalled..........it was your smile and laugh which I remember the most.

Joe

Joe Phelan Jr.
SLMPD

October 28, 2008

you are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 7, 2008

Officer Graft,

On this anniversary of your death, let it be known that you are not forgotten by the men and women of the St. Louis City Police Department. God bless you and keep you always.

Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police

May 6, 2007

Hi you I think of you almost everyday. Your life way to short .You were a great guy. I loved dancing with you. Hope that you liked that I named my second son Anthony Brian. It seemed right. I liked the way you laughed and played cards.I know you are in a happy place. Becki

Becki Horton Bird
former records clerk St.Louis,Mo.

January 22, 2007

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
to many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

Citizen Grace
St. Louis County

November 18, 2005

Hi Brian ..... I was thinking about you today. You were a fine police officer and a good friend. You will be remembered by many for the good man that you were. Rest In Peace.

Citizen Grace

October 11, 2005

We served together in the old 9th district Under Capt. Thomas Moran, as I was passing through this web site I observed this reflecdtion for a fallen comrade. May you rest in peace until the resurrection.

A fellow officer 9th dist.STLMPD

N/A
St.louis P.D.

April 15, 2005

No Officer should be ever be forgotten. Thank you for your service. You are a true hero. Rest in Peace..Detective Graft.

Mother of a Police Officer
Oklahoma

September 18, 2004