The Rocky Mountain News tells the story of Aurora police officer Rick Grahn’s journey to becoming Renee Grahn.

It’s really fascinating. The Aurora PD and its former Chief, Rick Bennett, deserve some major credit for how they adjusted to Grahn’s transgenderism and came to accept it. Bennett’s first reaction was to study up on “gender identity disorder.” He had Grahn meet with all of the officers and answer their questions. He told the officers they were to treat Grahn with respect.

Grahn later underwent gender reassignment surgery in Trinidad. She’s still on the force.

Another nice touch in the article is the way Grahn is referred to as “he” until the part where he undergoes the surgery. Thereafter, the article refers to Grahn as “she.”

It’s a very thorough article, and considering all the people interviewed for it, must have been a difficult one to write. Rocky reporter Chris Barge did a good job.