Help Support Police Officer Anthony J. Graffeo

​Our uncle, Anthony J. Graffeo, is a nine-year veteran Chicago Police Officer. His parents are both retired CPD. On March 4, 2022, at 3:30 A.M., while working in the 11th district, he was shot in the line of duty. He sustained seven gunshot wounds to his left leg. Fortunately, his sergeant quickly arrived on scene to drive him to Mt. Sinai Hospital, and he did not have to wait for an ambulance, which could have resulted in a more critical outcome. At the same time, his fellow officers bravely, searched for, located and arrested the offender.

On the way to the hospital, Officer Graffeo passed out due to blood loss. He stayed in the hospital for three days and was subsequently released. While recovering at home, he unexpectedly contracted an infection and had to be admitted into the hospital for an additional four days. Although the prognosis was encouraging, he was informed that he had 6 bullet fragments lodged in his leg. One month after the shooting, he underwent a surgery for the removal of one fragment; however, the location of the remaining fragments prevented their removal. His surgeon advised that any attempt to remove the remaining fragments could cause further damage. The most severe of injuries is damage caused by the bullet fragments to his sciatic nerve. This has resulted in him experiencing excruciating pain, tingling, and numbness in his foot and leg, which has prevented him from functioning normally.

In January of 2023, he underwent a series of surgeries to have an electro-stimulator permanently implanted in his back, consisting of a small generator device with wires running along the spine. This provides some relief for the sensations he experiences in the foot and leg caused by the sciatic nerve damage. The doctor has said the regeneration of the damaged nerve can take up to two years. Even then, it is not guaranteed to fully heal. However, he is hopeful that the medical intervention and the physical therapy he is undergoing will allow him to return as an active-duty police officer. While continuing his lengthy journey to recovery, he has exhausted all allowed medical time and has been placed into a NO PAY STATUS, awaiting his disability hearing. Unfortunately, the disability approval process can take 8-10 months.

​Officer Graffeo is a husband and a father to two beautiful girls, ages 4 and 6. He is grateful every day to be alive and cherishes every moment spent with his wife and daughters. His attention is also focused on the recovery and eventual return to work. He is determined to make that happen and continues to do all that is asked of him by doctors and physical therapists.

See this WGN News coverage of the story

​We are Rena and Rachel, Officer Anthony J. Graffeo’s nieces. We, along with family and friends teamed up to help our uncle through what has been a long and strenuous recovery process. Now that the no pay status has been issued, we want to help him be able to provide for his family as he’s always done. While he remains in a no pay status, expenses will continue to build and add up. Any assistance you are willing to provide will be gratefully appreciated. Thank you!

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