Patrolman Gordon W. Swettart, Springfield Police Department, Illinois

Patrolman Gordon W. Swettart

Springfield Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Sunday, February 3, 1924

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Gordon W. Swettart

Patrolman Gordon Swettart was shot and killed after he stopped to assist five individuals whose vehicle was disabled one mile north of Virden on the Springfield-St. Louis Blacktop at 8:30 pm.

Patrolman Swettart was shot by one of the vehicle's occupants as he stepped onto the running board. All five of the offenders, who were auto thieves, fled the scene. A passing motorist came to Patrolman Swettart's aid, but the officer died from his wound. The gunman, who was convicted of manslaughter, was sentenced to prison in 1924 and paroled in 1945.

Patrolman Swettart had served with the Springfield Police Department for only eight months. He was survived by his widowed mother and a sister.

Bio

Age 23
Tour 8 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
Offender Paroled in 1945

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Patrolman Swettart,
Even though it’s been over 100 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Springfield.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 3, 2024