The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting a little closer to home for many in Habersham County as they rally around a former local law enforcement officer battling the virus.
Shawn Gragg was admitted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville on Wednesday, July 15. He is now in the Intensive Care Unit on a ventilator and dialysis, according to friends.
Gragg worked in local law enforcement for many years, including as a School Resource Officer with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. He became a familiar face to many directing traffic at Demorest Elementary School.
Gragg’s now a small business owner and operates 626 Upholstery located in Baldwin.
“He is very sick,” says long-time friend and fellow law enforcement officer Travis Jarrell.
Gragg’s wife, Jennifer, is currently quarantined at home with their children and is unable to work. Knowing there will be “a lot of medical bills coming,” Jarrell and others are raising money to help offset some of those expenses.
“It is so heartwarming to know that so many people love my dad and that we don’t have to go through this alone. We can’t help but to praise God in this storm.”
They’ve launched a GoFundMe account and set up a fund in Shawn Gragg’s name at Peach State Federal Credit Union in Cornelia. Mount Airy Pawn Shop also is accepting donations on Gragg’s behalf. “We are only wanting to make sure he and his family are taken care of in the coming times ahead,” explains Jarrell.
“We appreciate all the love and support we have gotten,” the Gragg’s 19-year-old daughter Kinsley tells Now Habersham. “It is so heartwarming to know that so many people love my dad and that we don’t have to go through this alone.” She adds, “We can’t help but to praise God in this storm.”
In addition to donations, friends and colleagues are asking the public to pray for Gragg and his family. His prognosis is unclear, but the hope in the hearts of all who know and love him is certain. “We are praying for complete healing,” Jarrell says.
