Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was but 12 years old when I started commuting into Hornell NY with my father for the fall hunt season. Here now 50 years later I am involved with the community as a member of the Hornell AOH and a believer in the perpetuation of the Hornell Irish town's Bloody 5th history. Sorrowfully, as a brother in blue, I and a couple of my friends from The Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums in Rochester played bagpipes at the dedication of your LODD memorial located at the intersection of Seneca & Genesee Streets in Hornell NY, allegedly the spot where you were killed. Playing Amazing Grace at your memorial was my sincere pleasure and your surviving son was right there to hear it. God bless you, your son and grandchildren. Rest assured brother, we have it from here.

Cpt. Scott Frearson, Bagpiper
The Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums

October 29, 2023

Sgt. Swift,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Hornell. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 24, 2023

Dan was a wonderful man , outstanding officer loved his family , very sad day for everyone, a life gone to soon.

Judy Ann Notz
Brother in law

October 5, 2021

We had fun and wonderful times after high school. You were so kind, compassionate , and loving.
You were one of my best friends and we had fun dating. You were like a brother to me. And moreso. So devastated when i heard what happened. Too young to go.
Someday ill see you and we can reminisc old times along with Aggie Gross...my best friend.
Love ya
Sharyn (Cram)

Best friend.Sharyn
His closest friend

June 15, 2021

After all these years you are still so dearly missed by me and many others. You are with your first love , Julie, now and forever. Your birthday is in a few short days and you would be 72 years old. You should be sitting in a comfortable chair enjoying your grandchildren but all that was taken from you on October 24, 1973. I love you Dan.

Cynthia Swift Costa
Sister

February 22, 2021

Rest in peace Sergeant Swift.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2021

Doesn’t seem possible that 45 years have gone by.... you’ve never been forgotten. Great memories... you will always be our hero in Hornell....... thinking of your family on this day.

Kim Clifford Wood

October 24, 2018

Although it has been a long time since your death, my sympathies are with your family and fellow officers. I know also there was a Sgt Daniel J Swift, US Army who served bravely in Iraq and also with the FDNY. Don't know if you are any relation.

SFC William Farrell
US Army MP, Ret

August 6, 2017

Thanks to everyone that still remembers Our loss.
We Love and will never forget the good times with Dan. He was My Friend, Husband and a Great Dad. Again Thanks for your support.

Julie

October 24, 2016

Danny, I wish you didn't die so young. I wish you could have been an uncle to my kids. I wish I could tell you I love you. I wonder what would have been. I miss you very much!

Your sister Cindy

October 26, 2015

I love you so much. Miss you everyday. You are and always will be my hero in heaven.

dianna swift
sister

October 25, 2015

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant Swift and his family. He may be gone but not forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

October 21, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41st anniversary year of your death. I am privileged 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. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 3, 2014

Danny - you have never been forgotten and so hard to believe it has been so many years since you left us. We may have lived miles apart, but us Swift's remain united. Now you have to keep your eyes on my son, Larry, and keep him safe. He is now a police officer and loving it as much as you did.

Love ya, Barbara

Barbara Swift Leeds
Cousin

October 24, 2013

As a daughter of a NYS Trooper, and mother of a Dover Police Officer I have a true a appreciation for the service my classmate gave to the city of Hornell. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Donna Scaglione Roosa
HHS Classmate

October 24, 2013

Danny---what a sad day it was when you were killed in the line of duty. Your death affected so many people in our community and other communities as well. I love you and after all these years I still miss you.

Cindy Swift Costa
sister

October 24, 2013

Always remembered
Never forgotten
Rest easy

Lt P.J. Dyring
Corning PD/ former Hornell PD

October 24, 2013

May his soul forever rest in peace.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop "D"

June 2, 2013

We the thin blue line salute you.

Lieutenant P.J. Dyring
City of Corning Police Dept, NY

October 24, 2012

Great man and Officer.Investigator. He really cared about what was going on in his City. I had several conversations with him about the crime problems within the City and he was always trying to stay on top of them.

Sgt Mark Mahoney
Hornell Police Dept

October 24, 2012

So many years ago..but never forgotten......

K. Wood

October 25, 2011

"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

December 18, 2007

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

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 20, 2007

G-d Bless.

October 24, 2006

It just doesn't seem possible that so much time has passed. I was almost 15 at the time. You, Julie and Danny lived a block and half from me, and I saw you often. My dad was a Hornell cop when I was a wee one, and have always had great respect for those in uniform.

I remember so well the sadness I felt for your family, the look in Julie's eyes after you were gone. She'd sit on the steps and still manage to smile and chat with me whenever I came by.

As the years went by I became friends with so many wonderful people in law enforcement, and spent many hours worrying with their families when the bad times came.

I took a job in Corning ER about 3-4 yrs ago. It's so easy to get attached to the cops, sheriffs, and troopers that visit us. What a great group of people. I have learned many things from these friendships over the years, and believe I am a stronger, better person for having known them.


These are very troubled times. As you know, we recently lost Andy Sperr and Larry Gleason, and another trooper was wounded this weekend.

I just want to say thank you to you, and all of those who have come and gone since, for your dedication to "serve and protect", in good times and bad. None of you will ever be forgotten.....

Cathy
Corning ER

June 11, 2006