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Trooper Hugh Donald Swartz | West Virginia State Police, West Virginia West Virginia State Police, West Virginia

Trooper

Hugh Donald Swartz

West Virginia State Police, West Virginia

End of Watch: Monday, October 5, 1970

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 36

Tour: 12 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 10/5/1970

Weapon: Shotgun; 410 gauge

Suspect: Sentenced to life

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Trooper Swartz was shot and killed while attempting to serve three warrants to a man at the man's home at Buffalo Creek, West Virginia. The suspect opened fire on Trooper Swartz with a 410 gauge shotgun. Despite being wounded, Trooper Swartz was able to make it back to his patrol car and radio for help. However, he succumbed to the wounds by the time an ambulance arrived.

The suspect was charged with several crimes, including first degree murder. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison March 24, 1971.

He had served with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife and three daughters.

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As a Florida State Trooper, I lost a brother I never knew and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Trooper Swartz (especially brother Bill and Betty Swartz, whom my wife Pam and I know) during this time of reflection. The sacrifices our Brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement make are sometimes overlooked. The few who make the ultimate sacrifice are God's special people and the families of those should find peace knowing this. Rest in peace Brother.

Trooper First Class Steve McNeely
Florida Highway Patrol
September 1, 2012

 

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