Genoa's police chief ordered to stay away from wife until 2008

10/29/2003

PORT CLINTON - Genoa police Chief Michael Graalman must remain at least 500 yards from his estranged wife and her two children until Oct. 17, 2008, according to a civil protection order Judge Paul Moon of Ottawa County Common Pleas Court granted Monday.

Chief Graalman's wife, Kimberly, filed a request for a protection order Oct. 17, saying the chief had made harassing calls and threatened her life.

A temporary order instructed Chief Graalman to surrender his weapons. The five-year protection order granted by Judge Moon does not include that requirement.

The chief began taking sick leave when the village received word of the temporary order. He is on vacation, and Sgt. Chad Milner is in charge of the police force, Mayor Joseph Verkin said.

The mayor would not comment on the chief's job status because the village has not been notified that the civil protection order was granted.

“I have not gotten official notice that he can carry a weapon,” Mr. Verkin said.

Chief Graalman, who lives in Wood County, could not be reached for comment. He has run the Genoa department for more than three years.