NAAS, 12 June 2002: by Trish Whelan. Naas has lost a sergeant-in-Charge who has proved to be an exceptionally well regarded community policeman as well as a crime investigator of high ability.
Sgt Kevin Gralton has been promoted to the rank of Inspector. He joined the force in 1960, was first stationed in Newbridge and then in Kildare town. He was promoted to Sgt in 1990 and transferred to Emyvale in Co Monaghan.
In 1991 he returned to the Carlow/Kildare Division based at Tullow Station. His next move was to Athy where he was appointed Sgt-In-Charge. In 1996 he was transferred to Naas and appointed Sgt-in-Charge here.
While in Naas he was instrumental in the setting up of several Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the area as well as with Naas No Name Club and a number of charities.
Inspector Gralton is married with three children.
Superintendent Tom Neville says ‘he was courteous and sensitive to the views of others; an excellent investigator involved in several investigations during his time in Naas including a murder in Clane and the successful investigation of a serious rape case in Naas’.
In recent times in Naas he has focused his efforts particularly on dealing with the problem of Public Order Offences in the town, resulting in a number of prosecutions.
Super Neville said: “I warmly congratulate him on his promotion. It’s well deserved.”
