Officer Frederick Charles Grau
End of Watch
9/11/1952

The Manhattan Beach Police Department lost their first officer on Thursday, September 11, 1952. Police Officer Frederick Charles Grau, or Charlie as he was known at the department, suffered a stroke after going home at the end of his patrol shift. The stroke was attributed to a recent head injury he received while investigating a domestic disturbance call.

44 year old Officer Grau provided 9 years of excellent service to the City of Manhattan Beach, including two years in the Traffic Division.

He was a dedicated husband, father to three daughters, and a member of the Hermosa Beach Masonic lodge.

Officer Charles Grau is remembered as an Officer who was “faithful to his duty, fair to everyone, and loyal to Manhattan Beach.” Police Chief Henry Sights considered him one of his best officers and recounted that he had received letters complimenting Officer Grau on the manner in which he issued tickets. Chief Sights stated, “He was fair and square in every way.”

We will always remember Officer Charlie Grau.