Give a Little. Help a Lot. Be a Part.
Click here to view the new grants application.
On October 25, 2020, Marion County, Florida lost an icon when the City of Ocala police chief, Greg Graham, passed away in a plane crash. The legacy he left on his family, friends and the community will forever be felt in the lives he touched. This fund is established to remember the man loved by so many who impacted even more.
Service: Greg Graham joined the Ocala Police Department in 1983. He earned multiple designation while with the department, serving as deputy chief before leaving Ocala for a brief stint from 2008-2011 to serve as the Police Chief of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On January 3, 2012, he became the Ocala police chief. Throughout his time with the department he served on numerous boards of directors for nonprofits, worked with countless community impact programs, and served his community well in everything he did.
Impact: An amnesty program for people addicted to drugs became a significant focus for Graham and his department since 2018. The Heroin/Opioid Amnesty Program assists those suffering from addiction in three ways: walking into the police department, calling the department for help, or seeking out any police officer for assistance. Once the individual reaches out, they are transported to a local rehab facility to get the treatment they deserve. Despite arrests, Graham noted the opioid crisis wasn’t a law enforcement issue, which was why he had such a passion for the impact it was making on lives.
Health: Chief Graham enjoyed being physically active, and exercise was very important to him. He was a barefoot skier, scuba diver, sky diver, and pilot. But most days he could be found on a “reserved” treadmill at Zone Health & Fitness on Pine Ave. right next to the Police department. He also cared deeply for the physical and mental health of the community’s young people and was actively engaged in projects benefiting our kids.
Inaugural Year of the Fund
In 2020, the Foundation Fund raised money and support for the following projects:
The Chief Greg Graham Legacy Endowment
Provided two scholarships for the Florida State Fire College through Marion Technical College
Provided one scholarship to the College of Central Florida Police Academy
Donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County
Purchased the “Legacy” painted horse for the community through Marion Cultural Alliance
Built the koi reflection pond at Beacon Point
Provided financial support to Ocala Police Department to recruit and attract new officers
Helped purchase the Ice Cream Truck for the Ocala Police Department Polar Patrol program.