Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Swint, it has been 34 years since you were taken from us. Northern New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your military and 4 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Berwick.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

October 1, 2024

Officer Swint, it has been 33 years since you were taken from us. Northern New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

October 1, 2023

Officer Swint,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 1, 2020

I went to school with Jim, as well as his wife Denise in Lima OH. I was actually in Denise’s class. Jim was a fine athlete, and an even better man.

It doesn’t surprise me the accolades from his friends and police family. They are well deserved.

Thank you for your service, and thank you for being a part of my life.

Kraig F Kirves
Dayton OH PD
Sergeant (Retired)

Sergeant Kraig F Kirves
Dayton OH Police Department

October 18, 2018

Rest in peace my friend

Don Hedbany

February 20, 2015

You are not forgotten.
Your service to this country will never be forgotten.
Denise will always be in my prayers. Those who continue to serve in Brunswick will always be in my prayers. Life continues, as it should.
Those who have given all.......are not forgotten.

Rita Swint Stapleton
Sister

October 29, 2014

Officer Swint,
Sir, even though it's been 23 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-not just for your Community, but for our Country as well when you served in the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 2, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23td anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 26, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Detective Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

April 19, 2013

Miss you very much. I have always wondered what you would be doing right now. Love yo 2B16

Captain Shawn O'Leary
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Portland, Maine

October 18, 2012

I have not forgotten your service for our Nation and to the State of Maine. I have not forgotten your laugh or your sense of humor. Most of all I have not forgotten the love of a brother. My brother. You will always be missed.

As I was when you left....1Lt. Rita Swint
As I am now......Rita Stapleton, wife and mother of three

Rita Stapleton
Sister

May 27, 2012

Officer Swint, you are not forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

July 31, 2010

Officer Swint,
Sir, on today the 19th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, bu also for our Country when you served in the USMC. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO/former Marine

Anonymous

October 1, 2009

"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

February 11, 2008

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

Pat Van Den Berghe

October 13, 2007

17 years and you are not forgotten. To the family and friends of Officer Swint - know that the entire law enforcement community continues to hold you up in prayer during this difficult time of year. I know it's hard not to dwell on the "what might have been's"... keep looking up, he will guide you.

September 29, 2007

We will never forget! Yours was not in vain!

Matt Lyons
OPD, Ca.

May 24, 2006

Today, October 1, 2003 it has been 13 years since you left. I came by and paid a visit to you today. As I sat in silence, I pondered the past and future. How many children would you have with Denise, where would you be in the department, and what type of childish, funny, and good spirited pranks would you still be playing on the guys. It seems that eveyone has gone on with their lives Jimmy including me. However, one part on my life ended that day in October, when you left us for a better place. I truly miss you and hope when I pass you are there to greet me as my best friend, with a cold one in hand.

Love Ya Brother
Shawn

Sgt. Shawn O'Leary
Brunswick Police Department

October 1, 2003

Jim joined the department in 1996 after serving 8 years with the USMC, his last duty station was at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. He was quite but by know means shy, he was always up for a good joke and was frequently involved in pulling pranks on his fellow officers.

Jim was attending college at the time of his death as he realized that education was an important part of the job. Jim was the President of the Brunswick Police Benefit Association when the State was raising money for a State memorial site for Law Enforcement Officer's killed in the line of duty. Jim worked very hard and as a result the Association was one of the top 10 donator's to the memorial.

It's hard to believe it will be 11 years this October since Jim's untimely death. Jim wasn't only a good cop, he was a good friend and husband. I still miss him a lot and a day doesn't go by that I don't think about him in some way.

Lt. Donald E. Goulet
Brunswick Police Department

I check ODMP a couple of times a day and am always glad when I don't see any new additions. Today, Sunday, I read about Officer James D. Swint. He gave of himself so as not to endanger someone else.

I think this following item might be of interest. Last week here in California two men were fishing, one was 46 and the other 16. They were fishing in an old rock quarry. The 16yr old decided it would be a good time to go for a swim and dove into the water. Little did he know, the quarry bottom was over grown with thick weeds reaching to the service of the pond. It didn't take long before the young man became entangled and started to drown. The older man seeing his companion's predicament peeled off his shirt and shoes and dove in to help the younger man. The older man pushed the young one up on top of the thick weeds where he was able to hang on until he was rescued. The older man was entangled and pulled under water to his death.

The amazing part of this story is that the older man couldn't swim. Knowing full well he could die in the effort, he dove in to help someone who could not help himself. Why did he do it, why did he put himself in the face of danger.... because he was there.

Does this sound familiar? It should, every day men and women acorss the United States put on the badge and put themselves in the face of danger. To help those who can't help themselves. Whether it be swerving into a pole to avoid hurting someone else, or facing a gunman that ultimately takes their life. And everyone always asks the same question when one of us makes this sacrifice. Why did it have to happen? There is only one answer, as with the man who couldn't swim, as with all men and women of law enforcement, why does it happen..... because WE are there.

Thank you to Officer James D. Swint and all men and women of law enforcement.....for being there.

Anonymous