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Springboro police chief: Billy Graham ‘incredible man of integrity’

Springboro Police Chief Jeff Kruithoff, third from right, with Franklin Graham, fourth from right, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham. This photo was taken when Kruithoff was part a missionary responding after Hurricane Harvey in Texas. CONTRIBUTED
Springboro Police Chief Jeff Kruithoff, third from right, with Franklin Graham, fourth from right, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham. This photo was taken when Kruithoff was part a missionary responding after Hurricane Harvey in Texas. CONTRIBUTED
By Lawrence Budd
Feb 21, 2018

Springboro Police Chief Jeff Kruithoff attended a Billy Graham Crusade as a teenager in Michigan in the 1970s and today serves his ministries.

On Wednesday, Kruithoff talked about Graham’s legacy and about the crusade nearly 45 years ago.

“It was a huge deal. The place was packed,” Kruithoff said as news of Graham’s death spread today.

MORE: Pastor reacts to death of Billy Graham

Kruithoff also recalled watching Graham Crusades on television with his parents.

“I never had the honor to meet him,” said Kruithoff, who has represented Graham’s ministries as a chaplain responding to disasters including Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

He met Franklin Graham, the evangelist’s son who has headed the organization for several years, while responding to Harvey in Houston and Rockport, Texas, on behalf of Billy Graham Ministries.

RELATED: Police chief serves as chaplain for Billy Graham Ministries

Of Billy Graham, Kruithoff said: “He was an incredible man of integrity for his entire life. So many people can point to a memory of him. The passing of a truly Christian man.”

About the Author

Lawrence Budd
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