Sumpter police observe 40th anniversary of Officer Graham’s death

On July 28, 1985, Sumpter Township Police Officer Roy Lee Graham, 33, was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver while responding to a call for help from a Van Buren Township officer.
Officer Graham is the only Sumpter police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
On July 28, the police department posted the following on its Facebook Page:
“… We solemnly observe the 40th anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Sumpter Township Police Officer Roy Lee Graham. We honor his brave sacrifice, remembering his commitment to serving and protecting our community. His legacy lives on in our hearts, minds, and locations around the township.
“Additionally, his name is engraved on the wall of the Wayne County First Responders Memorial in Hines Park and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. on panel 30e, line 11.
“We pledge to remember him today and every day.”