Officer Down Memorial Page

To the grandfather that I never met:

I grew up hearing the amazing stories of you. I have lived these stories as if you have always been a part of my life. You have 3 beautiful great grandchildren as well. Which I am sure you know because you were there with me when they were born. Mom could not handle me becoming a police officer so I did not follow in your footsteps, but there are many days that I wish I did. I have married a hero as well, "my firefighter". I may have never met you, but you will always be a part of our lives. You are in my thoughts and dreams. Thank you for all that you did. You are my true HERO. You will always be loved. Your grandaughter Mimi.

Amanda Motta
Grandaughter
January 20, 2011

Dad, Some days it seems like an eternity since you were taken away from us and other times it seems like yesterday. Very rare a day goes by, that I don't think of you and how proud you would be of your grandchildren and now 3 great grandsons. Michael, my youngest son has followed in your footsteps and is a Maryland trooper and paramedic who presently works on the Medivac. Those Swartz genes must be very dominant as Michael is the spitting image of you. The fist time Mom saw him in uniform, she thought it was you. I feel at peace now knowing that Mother is with you. Even though she remarried after your death and he was a wonderful man, she said she would always love you. To this day Dad, we love and miss you and someday we will all be together as a family.
Love,
Pam

Pamela Swartz Hoard
Oldest daughter
December 2, 2009

Uncle Don,

Though I never got to meet you, I have grown up hearing stories about you, Uncle Gordon and My Grandpa (Bill). These stories along with your legacy were a great influence on me becoming a law enforcement officer. I know you were also a great influence on my father, Kelly in chosing his law enforcement career. I only wish I could have met you.

God Bless,
Dep. Matthew W.K. Swartz B.C.S.O.

Deputy Matthew W. K. Swartz
Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida/ Great Nephew
June 10, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Denberghe
Neighbors for a Better Manhester NH
October 15, 2007

Uncle Don,

I can only hope to be as good a cop as you, my Dad, and Uncle Gordon. I was only 6 years old when you fell but I remember it well. I only wish that I could have gotten to know you better. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Kelly Swartz
Cocoa Beach Police Department

Sgt. Kelly Swartz
Cocoa Beach Police Department / Nephew
October 4, 2007

Don was a great friend and he had an influence in my leaving the Marines and seeking a Law Enforcement career. His wife and my wife grew up in Kanawha County next door neighabors.A friend gone but not forgotten.

Capt. R.L. Ellis
Fairfax Co Va. (Ret)
June 30, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

God bless, hero. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004

Trooper Swartz,

Many years have gone by, but you will not be forgotten...Rest in Peace Brother...

Officer
NC
August 12, 2004