West Central Reporter

In a May 19 Facebook post, Illinois state Rep. Travis Weaver (R-Edwards) reacted to the unexpected death of a Pekin police officer.

"An unspeakable tragedy," Weaver said in the post. "I'm heartbroken to learn of this brave officer’s passing, and we thank him for his incredible service to Pekin and the community."

Weaver's post shared a link to a May 18 25News Now report about the community's reaction to Ofc. Daniel Graber's death. The report quoted Pekin Police Chief John Dossey’s writing in a Facebook post.

“As we began the journey home with this officer earlier this morning, I am sure I was not alone as emotions began to flood out of me,” Dossey said in the post. “For those of you who had the honor of seeing the procession it was stunning. To see all the support from the many agencies who just learned of this sad event, and to take time out of their day to support our fallen officer was simply amazing.”

Although the officer was not named, Dossey confirmed that he died unexpectedly on May 17.

A May 19 25News Now report identified Graber as the fallen officer but gave no explanation about his death. The report did note that he was 49 years old and had served as a Pekin police officer for 24 years.

Graber’s online obituary stated that he started as a patrolman with the Pekin Police Department on Dec. 27, 1999, and he worked the third shift. He enjoyed duck hunting, was an avid collector of Star Wars items, and had a sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Lindsay; son, Mason; parents, Jerry and Mary Graber; two sisters and extended family.

Graber's memorial service was held on May 24 and drew law enforcement personnel from across the state. WMBD reported on the funeral and the community’s response.

“Escorted by dozens of police cars, motorcycles and ambulances, local residents paid their respects as Wednesday’s funeral procession crossed town to Prairie Haven Cemetery,” the WMBD report said.

Lt. Chad Oberle of the Peoria Police Department knew Graber since they were five years old. He noted that he was shocked by the huge crowds that turned out to honor his friend.

“That was great,” Oberle told WMBD. “Seeing the community, it shows how much everyone loved him and how great of a person he really was and what an impact he made on the people of the City of Pekin.”

Dossey expressed gratitude for the community's support.

“I think today’s community show of support really sent a message to the officers that they matter,” he said. “Out of their cars, hands over their hearts to pay their respects. I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years, I’ve never seen that. It was stunning just to see that.”

Weaver represents the people of Illinois' 93rd House District, his website biography said. He previously worked in strategy and finance roles at Caterpillar while also investing and manning executive positions in various startup businesses. Weaver tutors GED students, serves as a substitute teacher, is chairman of the Education Committee at Wildlife Prairie Park, and enjoys competing in marathons. He resides in Edwards.