SPD’s Graves, Mazrim promoted at ceremony

Two Springfield Police officers were promoted in a private ceremony in City Council Chambers Monday.

Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and Police Chief Kenny Winslow promoted Sergeant Brian Graves to the rank of lieutenant and Detective Michael Mazrim to the rank of sergeant.

“It is with pride, honor, and excitement for the future of our department to promote these two men,” Winslow said. “Each of these positions is essential to the efficiency of the department and providing the appropriate supervision, training and coaching to our officers.”

Graves, a former sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), is a 24-year veteran of the department (SPD).

Graves has served as a member of the Street Crimes and Pro-Active Crime (PAC) Units, the Emergency Response Team, a field training officer, and a field training sergeant.

Graves is a recipient of the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and two SPD Porter Williams Awards. The award recognizes a distinguished act or acts of bravery or heroism by a police officer.

Graves graduated from Lanphier High School and served four years in the U.S. Army. He is a father of two. Lieutenant Graves was pinned by his father and retired SPD lieutenant, John Graves.

Mazrim is a 15-year veteran of the SPD.

Mazrim has served as a Neighborhood Police Officer and as a member of the Crisis Intervention and Mobile Field Force Teams, PAC, and Lake Patrol.

Mazrim is a two-time recipient of the SPD William Herndon Award, bestowed on the plain clothes officer or officers on active duty performing the most distinguished act or acts of police work

Mazrim graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a bachelors degree in legal studies.

Mazrim served five years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He and his wife, Leigh, have one daughter. Mazrim was pinned by his wife.

Mazrim’s father is Sgt. Terry Mazrim, who is retired from the SPD.

Contact Steven Spearie at 622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com or twitter.com/stevenspearie.