Metro Fire Dedicates Fire Station 32 in Honor of Fire Captain John de Graaff
Jan 24, 2020 12:00AM ● By By Patrick Larenas
Fire Chief Todd Harms stands with the surviving members of Fire Captain John de Graaff's family. From left to right: John de Graaff, Landon de Graaff, Nolan de Graaff, grandchildren Emily de Graaff, Evan de Graaff, Sac Metro Fire Chief Todd Harms, daughter in law Kate de Graaff and Bennett in mother's arms. Captain De Graaff's wife of 34 years, Sherri, passed away in 2018. Photo courtesy Sac Metro Fire
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - On January 6, 2020, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District leaders and uniformed personnel dedicated Fire Station 32 to honor fallen Fire Captain John de Graaff and twenty-two fallen firefighters. Present on that morning, Fire Chief Todd Harms addressed those gathered stating, “We are here to recognize the sacrifices of fallen firefighters… and to provide a constant memorial of Fire Captain de Graaff’s contribution… the significance of which cannot be minimized.”
De Graaff served for over 30 years as a firefighter throughout his life. Born in Covina, California, on June 6, 1954, de Graaff would go on to volunteer in 1971 as a firefighter in Southern California and later served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Coral Sea in 1974-1976. De Graaff was hired at Fair Oaks Fire Department in 1977, when he was 23 years of age, and promoted to captain in 1985.
Many remembered Fire Captain de Graaff for his dedication at mentoring young trainees fresh from the Academy. Attending Senior Fire Chaplin Kevin Snider said, “As a captain to many recruits, de Graaff loved with all his heart, he was a mentor to many recruits and always made long-lasting relationships.” In a press release, Metro Fire Captain Chris Vestal noted that the department “will always be grateful and will not forget his service”.
One of three surviving sons, Nolan de Graaff, spoke on behalf of the family: “I was fortunate that he applied the same principles that he used at the station at home. As a father, he was stern, effective and taught us to work hard, which gives me immense pride.” He thanked the department for having a positive impact on the life of his father and being a second home to the captain who retired in 2007.
In the presence of his family, a plaque was unveiled to honor the captain who passed away of a cardiac arrest in a Line of Duty Death (LODD) on April 25, 2009, which considers the immense physical and mental toll that the responsibility placed on the individual.
Fire Station 32 was de Graaff’s last assigned fire station. “His legacy lives on in the spirit of those who continue the work,” said Fire Chief Todd Harms.
Source: Sacramento Metropolitan Firefighters
