Family Of Officer Shot On The Job Seeks Community's Help 1 Year Later

CHICAGO, IL — The family of a Chicago police officer who was shot on the job over a year ago is asking for help as he continues the long journey of recovery.

Officer Anthony Graffeo was on the West Side in the early morning hours of March 4, 2022, when he suffered seven gunshot wounds to the left leg, according to a Gofundme started by his nieces. A second officer was also grazed in the head, WGN reported at the time, adding that the offender was apprehended and was not shot.

Graffeo, a nine-year veteran of the department, has since experienced infection and multiple surgeries as he adjusts to life with several bullet fragments in his leg, which have caused painful nerve damage and encumbered his ability to function, the Gofundme said.

“Officer Graffeo is a husband and a father to two beautiful girls, ages 4 and 6,” his nieces wrote on the Gofundme. “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.”

Nerve regeneration can take up to two years and a complete recovery is not guaranteed, according to the Gofundme, which said that in the interim, Graffeo has used all available medical time and been placed on no-pay status as he awaits disability approval, which could take months.

The Gofundme had raised over $20,000 as of Wednesday night.