98.1 KHAK First Responder Friday Honors Dawn Graver

Every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m., 98.1 KHAK's Brain & Courtlin pay tribute to an Eastern Iowa first responder during our 'First Responder Friday' segment! The weekly honoree receives a $25 gift card to Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford and a $25 gift card to Honor and Respect.

Today we're honoring Dawn Graver, who was nominated by Whitney Hall! The entry reads:

"Dawn has tirelessly served Monticello as a police officer for 34 years, and the last 5 years, she has been a School Resource Officer for the kiddos in our community. She has an incredible connection with the kids, whether they're in preschool or in their senior year. This is Dawn's final year before her well-deserved retirement, and her absence will leave a significant void in our community. 

Dawn has the bright, sparkly kind of personality that people gravitate towards. That allows people, especially the kiddos she works with, to build trust and open up to her, which creates a safer school environment. She works long hours, on holidays, and in bad weather, all in the name of keeping our community safe and secure. Dawn has very little time to herself and puts the needs of everyone else, even those she doesn't know, ahead of herself. All the tragedies she's seen, all the kiddos she has kept safe, all those that she has prioritized above herself... I feel Dawn could use some recognition after three decades of service!

I could go on and on about my best friend and how selfless she is, the things she has been exposed to in the line of duty that weigh on her spirit, and how proud of her and her job I am. But, when it comes down to it, I want her to see with her own eyes the appreciation the community has for all the sacrifices she has made to keep us safe in her 34 years carrying the weight of the badge."

Congratulations to Dawn! We thank her for her service and dedication to our community!

Our First Responder Friday winners are selected from nominations submitted by you! You can make a nomination below. When including your photo, please keep in mind that any kids in the picture need to be your own. Please let us know if we have parental permission to post the children, otherwise, their faces will be covered when the photo is published on our sites. Thank you for your submissions!