Press release:

Recognizing a law enforcement career that spans four decades, the Metropolitan King County Council honored Major Jim Graddon on Monday, April 22 for his work for the people of King County.

Major Graddon has served 39 years in law enforcement, including the past 34 years with the King County Sheriff’s Office.


Major Graddon has worked in numerous roles in law enforcement.

Since 2007 he has served as Major in the Sheriff’s Office and Chief of Police for the city of SeaTac. He also serves as Commander of the Sheriff Office’s Southwest Precinct, which covers unincorporated areas throughout southwest King County and the contract cities of Burien and SeaTac.

Graddon announced his retirement in January and will formally retire from his post with the Sheriff’s Office and the city of SeaTac at the end of April.


“In addition to keeping King County safe, Major Graddon has had a tremendous impact upon communities in King County, especially South King County,” said Council Vice Chair Julia Patterson, who represents part of SeaTac and Burien on the County Council. “His involvement in issues such as youth violence prevention and ending human trafficking are a testament to his willingness to engage with communities to develop solutions. He has made King County a better place, and I wish him well in retirement.”

“Major Graddon is what we hope all our law enforcement officers are. He knows and respects the community he serves. He is dedicated to making King County a safer place to live, work and play. His retirement is a loss to King County, but it is well-deserved,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, who represents North Highline on the County Council.

Graddon had a significant role in the investigation of one the most notorious criminal cases in the nation’s history – the Green River Killer case. He worked on various aspects of the case, including serving as Commander of the Green River Task Force, where through interviews with Gary Ridgway, Graddon helped gain information to locate the remains of victims. This information helped bring closure for families affected by the crimes.

A native of South King County, Graddon is a graduate of Burien’s Kennedy High School. He has served on many committees and South King County community organizations during his law enforcement tenure.

Here is the proclamation honoring Graddon:

RECOGNITION

WHEREAS, Jim Graddon has served the public with distinction during his 39-year career in law enforcement, including the last 34 years with the King County Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, Jim Graddon has served in various roles in the Sheriff’s Office, including being promoted to the rank of Major, being selected as Precinct Commander of the Southwest Precinct, and appointed Chief of Police for the City of SeaTac in 2007; and

WHEREAS, by upholding integrity and honor throughout his career, Major Graddon has consistently garnered the trust of King County residents and helped keep our communities safe; and

WHEREAS, Major Graddon’s work has helped to bring justice and closure for victims of crime and their families, including his instrumental role in the case of the Green River Killer; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career in law enforcement, Major Graddon has led with his values, addressing victims of human trafficking with compassion and supporting youth violence prevention efforts; and

WHEREAS, King County residents have benefited from Major Graddon’s genuine character, passion for improving local communities, intuition, and intellect;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, hereby recognize

MAJOR JIM GRADDON

for his dedication and excellence, exemplified by his many years of service in law enforcement, and wish him a very happy retirement.

DATED this twenty-second day of April, 2013.