New top cop takes helm in Marple Township
MARPLE » Due to retirements, approximately onethird of the township police force has changed in the last
24 months.
One of the biggest changes, however, was at the top.
Former lieutenant Brandon Graeff was named Superintendent of Police earlier this year. He follows Tom Murray, a 40-year veteran who served in the post for the last 15 years.
“The decision was to stay in house, just like with Tom and Frank Dunn before him,” said Graeff. “Tom retired 15 years to the day – he was chief from Jan. 10, 2005Jan. 10, 2020.”
A 1995 graduate of LaSalle University with a degree in criminal justice and sociology, Graeff always imagined himself working in law enforcement. He completed additional training at the Montgomery County Municipal Police Academy, then sat for the civil service test, completing among nearly 350 individuals for two positions.
Graeff joined the force Feb. 21, 1997. He was on the job less than a year when his bulletproof vest saved him from serious injury during a Thanksgiving Eve robbery at Rite Aid on Springfield Road.
After 12 years on the street, Graeff was promoted to sergeant in January 2009 and lieutenant in November
2016, supervising the patrol officers and detectives in the latter role. He was joined by his predecessors for the ceremonial swearing in, then took the oath Jan. 11 in an event attended by family, friends and members of the department.
“I couldn’t have accomplished any of these steps without the quality people in this building, both sworn and civilian,” said Graeff. “I’m not above asking questions and wouldn’t be able to do this job without them.”
Graeff inherited a professional department operating in a state-of-the-art space. The force is one of 118 in the Commonwealth accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, a program which helps agencies evaluate and improve overall performance.
The department relocated in February 2017 to the spacious former Hi-Fi House on Sussex Boulevard after more than 40 years in the cramped, one-time library on Sproul Road. The building was renovated for a 21stcentury department and designed for police efficiency and effectiveness.
The updates reach far beyond the brick and mortar and black and whites. MTPD is part of the CrimeWatch network, a platform which provides instant access to information. The website offers real time updates on cases and arrests, as well as reminders on topics such as school bus safety.
“Many residents are interested in police work and want to learn about what is happening,” said Graeff. “People will also call us with tips.”
The department has expanded its social media footprint to include Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, combining police blotter items with retirements, promotions and hires and appreciation for community kindness.
“When someone comes in with a tray of cookies, we want to get that picture out there,” said Graeff. “It’s a great way for us to say thanks.”
Police are essential, coronavirus notwithstanding, and the department is a customer service industry. While the pandemic has forced many businesses to close or offer limited operations, law enforcement continues 24/7. The outreach for which the officers are known is a comfort during difficult days.
“My philosophy is people first,” said Graeff. “The officers are the ones the public sees and we want to look professional and be genuine.”
To that end, Graeff wants to ensure his is a recognizable face. Noting one can “get out of touch real fast,” he periodically responds to calls, an effort he feels is “good for the soul.”
“I tell the officers ‘it’s not about you, it’s about the department and the profession and building good will,’” he said. “In the same way, I don’t represent Brandon Graeff – I represent the Marple Township Police Department.”