Paul Bryan Grahovac
(10/1/1966-9/15/2001 EOW/End of Watch)

MUNISING -- On Saturday. September 15, 2001 at l: l8 p.m., Deputy Paul Grahovac was killed at the scene of a multi-car accident just outside of Munising on M-28, intersection of M-94. Deputy Grahovac was at the scene assisting with extrication when a responding fire truck arriving at the scene from a steep hill, lost its brakes and struck Deputy Grahovac.

Paul was born on October 17, 1966 in Elkhart, Indiana to Robert and Susa (Barrick) Grahovac.

He graduated from Eben High School in 1985. He had worked for Richard and Donna Silta on their farm for many years and also worked logging with Paul Knuttila. Paul worked at Timber Products for thirteen years. He was a member of the Alger County Sheriff's EMS division since 1990 and worked part-time as a deputy sheriff, going full time the year of his death. Paul was a certified Emergency Medical Technician and a certified fire fighter for the Munising Township Fire Department. He worked as a 911 dispatcher and was a member of Alger County's Extricabon Team. Paul loved his work and he loved helping people.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons, Alex and Cody. Paul was very good with computers; he enjoyed listening to music, being outside, cruising town, watching movies, riding his bike, riding his Gold Wing and 450 Nighthawk, and late night rollerblading excursions with his sons.

He is survived by his two sons - Alex Jeffery Grahovac, age 14, of Munising and Cody Robert Grahovac, age 11, of Munising; his parents - Robert and Patty Grahovac of Edwardsburg, MI and Susa and Larry Swaim of Eben, MI; brothers - Anthony (Donna) Grahovac of Christmas and Samuel (Randee) Grahovac of Traunik; former wife - Lisa Vardon Grahovac of Munising; step-brothers - Michael (Pam) Swaim of Edwardsburg, MI and Mark (Heather) Swaim of Elkhart, IN; uncles - Michael (Jane) Grahovac of Elkhart, IN, Richard (Libby) Grahovac of Cincinnati, OH, and Ronald (Lois) Swaim of Naples, FL; aunt - Maria Barrick of McAllen, TX; 14 nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents and uncle, John Robert Barrick.

Friends were invited to call at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:OO p.m. The Alger County Sheriff Department stood honor guard during the visitation. Pastors Kurt and Mary Beth Kovanen, along with Rev. Virginia Wasmiller, conducted Paul's funeral at the Sacred Heart Church in Munising on Wednesday, September l9, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising. A fellowship gathering with family and friends took place following the services at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Munising. Paul was escorted by Aaron Engler, Richard Grahovac, Michael Grahovac, David Cromell, Todd Knuttila, and Ted Woodaz. In time, a trust for Paul's sons will be established. Memorials may be made in memory of Paul to an account at the Peoples State Bank in Munising.

End of Watch (EOW): September 15, 2001

Paul Bryan Grahovac Memorial page on Facebook.

Rank: Deputy Sheriff
Panel: 18-E: 22
Department: Alger County, Michigan, S.D.
End of Watch: September 15, 2001
Cause: Struck by Vehicle (while on foot)
Age: 34
Years of Service: 4

Deputy Grahovac was off-duty when he was called at home to responded to a report of a three car crash where one person was reported dead. While assisting fellow officers and EMT workers to extricate a victim from the wreckage, Deputy Grahovac was struck and killed by a responding fire truck. The fire truck brakes malfunctioned, struck Deputy Grahovac and crashed in the Anna River. Deputy Grahovac was pronounced dead at the scene. Friendly action.

Twelve years after his death, the Alger County Sheriff's Department designed and dedicated a special patch with his Badge #12, labeling their rescue squad as "Rescue 12" in Paul's memory:

"Twelve years ago today (Sept. 15th) Deputy Paul Grahovac of the Alger County Sheriff’s Office made the ultimate sacrifice. Deputy Grahovac was serving as an Extrication Technician at the scene of a serious personal injury accident when the unexpected happened and he lost his life while serving others. The Alger County Sheriff’s Office will never forget Paul. In his honor, we have labeled our rescue squad “Rescue 21”. Members of “Rescue 21” carry on the same proud tradition of courage, dedication and serving others that Paul had. “Rescue 21” provides specialized services to the Alger County Sheriff’s Office. These services include automobile extrication and search and rescue services. The search and rescue services involve dive and water Rescue, snowmobile and ice Rescue, and finally, land-based search and rescue. Our new team patch depicts these services. The sheriff’s badge in the center and the number 21 depicts the badge of Deputy Paul Grahovac, Badge #21. The diver’s bell and anchor represent two maritime aspects of our search and rescue services, while the “Jaws of Life” at the bottom of the patch represents the automobile extrication services which Paul was so proud to be a part of. Today we honor the memory of Deputy Paul Grahovac and are very proud to share this patch design with you. Paul will never be forgotten."
(Alger Country Sheriff Photo)