Holley police chief arrested

Three Orleans County police officers, including Holley’s chief of police, were arrested June 17 and charged with cocaine possession, according to New York State Police reports.

Holley’s chief Michael Grattan, 38, had been with the police force for more than 12 years, the past six as the chief. He has been charged with fourth degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance.

"We’re all very shocked and disappointed by this," Mayor Daniel Schiavone said. "We had to do the right thing and dismiss him … we can’t let his actions pull down our community."

Schiavone said the community could rest assured that it is business as usual within the police department. "The officers are out on the street operating with the same professionalism they have always exhibited," he said. "We’re going to do everything we can to get the trust and respect back that the department may have lost over this incident."

Grattan was charged along with Medina Police Lt. Michael Russell and Orleans County Jail Sergeant Donald Stilwell, Jr. The three men were accused of buying various amounts of cocaine in the village of Albion.

Russell was the officer who had been hailed as a hero by communities across the state after he was shot September 4 at Rosenkrans Pharmacy. He responded to a report that a man was trying to forge a prescription and after talking with the suspect, the suspect opened fire and shot Russell four times. Fundraisers and various functions were held in Russell’s honor in an effort to help raise money to cover his medical bills.

Residents of Holley praised Grattan for being a friendly, dedicated officer.

Grattan and Stilwell were charged with felonies and could face up to to seven years in prison. Russell was charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to 90 days in jail.

All three men were released on bail and had their pistol permits revoked.

Schiavone said that while the board would do a thorough search before recommending the hiring of a new police chief, he didn’t anticipate it would be a long process.