The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Benjamin Grair was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on October 26, 1981 and assigned to the 4th District. Like many of his fellow officers, Grair worked a part time job to supplement his income.
On August 5, 1983, Officer Grair arrived in full uniform and assumed his duties working security at an AmeriTrust Bank. As the customers waited in line and Officer Grair spoke on the phone, a man stepped out of line, calmly walked over to the officer and shot him. No words were exchanged. Still brandishing the weapon, the male jumped over the counter and demanded money from the tellers. Escaping out the front doors, the gun-toting suspect robbed a male of his vehicle and fled the scene. The suspect, a former employee of the bank, was apprehended the next day.
EOW Aug 5, 1983
Officer Grair was survived by his wife Barbara, his brother Joseph and sisters Lee and Renee. Following services at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Grair was laid to rest in Highland Park Cemetery. Grair was remembered as a fun loving man who liked to help people.
