Patrolman James Edward Graff

James Edward Graff

Patrolman James Graff suffered a fatal heart attack following a foot pursuit of a subject he observed breaking into a car near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Wood Street.

He chased the subject several blocks but was unable to capture him, so he returned to the Central Station to complete paperwork. He started to experience chest pains and was sent home. His condition worsened and he was taken Providence Hospital, where he remained for three days before passing away.

Patrolman Graff was a United States Army Air Force veteran of WWII and had served with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons. He was assigned to the Central Police Station, present day Zone 2.