Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

What a fine man. Don't get any better. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten

Jerry
Fellow citizen

June 27, 2024

Pop Pop,

4 years into this job, I know you are looking down and protecting me. I know you are proud of my accomplishments, not only as an officer, but as a woman. I love you for life!

Carley D Szwajkowski (Patrolman)
Grandfather

November 3, 2022

I met Walt in 1968 when I was a Sergeant with him in Foot Traffic. We became friends. Later when Walt was promoted to Lieutenant I was one of his Sergeants in 4 Squad, 35th District. The day before Walt was killed he asked me to form the squad the next day (Sunday) at the detail we were assigned for the Bi-Centennial celebration on the Ben Franklin Parkway. He said he would go to early Mass and when he arrived at the detail he would relieve me to go to Mass at the Cathedral on the Parkway. That was why he was at the church and in uniform the morning he was killed. I have never forgotten his friendship and the heroic action he took that fateful day. His wife, Marian, son, Walt Jr. and daughter Irene lost a loving husband and father. Walt was one of the finest men and most professional police officer I met in 27 years with the Philly PD. A few of the 4 Squad survivors: Rich Toth, John McHugh, Frank Zarzycki, Russ Macaluso, Tony Rosenbaum and Bob Capaldi meet and Walt is still mentioned and thought of at our get togethers. God bless Walt Jr. and Irene and their Families.

John Stuckert - Sergeant (Retired)
Deputy Chief Retired Bureau Criminal Inves. PA Office of Attorney Gen

June 26, 2022

I’ve now been a police officer for two years. I am so proud to continue your legacy. I am always thinking of you. Keep me safe love you

Carley Szwajkowski
Evesham Twp PD NJ

March 19, 2021

Your heroic actions that day are the true definition of duty before self. How many people were saved that day because of your selfless actions we'll never truly know, but assuredly you sacrificed so that many could live. Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 27, 2020

Lt. Sjwajkowski,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

June 27, 2019

Dad. You are in my thoughts every single day. I know that you watch over us, guide and protect us. You have been honored this year by one of the Philadelphia Police Academy graduating classes and honored once again on December 6, 2018 by the Camden County Police Academy class # 73 (this was your LT badge number) and on that day your granddaughter, Carley graduated from that class. She follows in the footsteps of her great grandfather and grandfather. Protect and Serve. God bless and please watch over her.

Walter R Szwajkowski
Son

December 20, 2018

Detective Robert Flannery retired, I met you while i was working northwest detectives, you used to come up to the detectives area on last out, have a cup of coffee and just talk with the guys. I always liked you from the first time i met you, and I was impressed with how gentle a person you seemed to be, I once said that to you, that you seemed so gentle to be a cop. I was so sad to hear that you had paid the ultimate sacrifice, but not surprised you rose to the occasion, a gentle man who did his job with honor and courage, i was honored and glad have know you, even it only for a short time. Rest in peace heaven is a nicer place with your arrival.

robert daniel flannery retired phily Det

November 23, 2018

Detective Robert Flannery retired, I met you while i was working northwest detectives, you used to come up to the detectives area on last out, have a cup of coffee and just talk with the guys. I always liked you from the first time i met you, and I was impressed with how gentle a person you seemed to be, I once said that to you, that you seemed so gentle to be a cop. I was so sad to hear that you had paid the ultimate sacrifice, but not surprised you rose to the occasion, a gentle man who did his job with honor and courage, i was honored and glad have know you, even it only for a short time. Rest in peace heaven is a nicer place with your arrival.

robert daniel flannery retired phily

November 23, 2018

It's been 40 years since me and my brother witness your bravery, I was 15 years old at that time going to church after delivering newspapers that morning, we watched as the car jacker forced those people out of that car at the red light, even though the one passenger was able to wrestle the gun from him, he pulled out another gun, at that time,someone went into the church to get you, as you came out of the church my brother and I told you that he had another gun, you acknowledged us, and as a true hero you went forward to face the bad man, you paid the ultimate sacrifice that day, I only meet you for a few seconds, but I will never forget you, especially this time of year, I think about your family and what they must have gone through, knowing what my family went through when officer pawlowski was killed in 2009, thank you Lieutenant Szwajkowski for your bravery and sacrifice , you are and always will be a Hero, RIP and God Bless your family and all police families.

Tim Weidenmiller
Witness that day

June 22, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

I met Officer Szwajkowski through a friend, Frank Pachucki (RIP) who was good friends with Walter Jr. and Irene...Mr. Szwajkowski was very nice and polite even tho who only just met me...I always remember hearing of his passing that day and remembering our first meeting...His children are privleged to have had him in their lives as a father....mento...and friend

Jim Sunderland
Friend

September 26, 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 36th anniversary year of your death. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 1, 2012

Warrior and Hero!!!

Inspector

March 23, 2012

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Szwajkowski family, especially during this time of year.

At the time, I was Walt R.'s friend and the family. Mr. Szwajkowski was a kind and loving father and husband.
God Bless you all!
I continue to keep him and his family in my prayers since 1976.

Rosemary Gerace
Pierce Junior College

Rosemary Gerace
friend

December 12, 2011

Pop Pop, Although I never had the honor to meet you...I think about all of the time. I am so proud to say you are my grandfather and wished I had the honor to meet you. My nanny loved you so much and I know you were a wonderful man. Love always, Ashley

Ashley Szwajkowski
Granddaughter

November 4, 2011

I never met my grandpa ; I could telll hes a nice man though. He risked his life to help save people. If he was alive today , I couldnt ask for a better grandpa. I love you and look out for me!!!! love u<3

Carley Szwajkowski
Grandaughter

June 2, 2011

Thankyou for your service LT., you are a hero for us all to look up too. You and your family are in my prayers.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 28, 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

January 24, 2008

I remember Lt. Szwajkowski with many fond memories. I was friends with his daughter. We went to school together. I was away for the summer when this happened and I remember hearing the news on the radio. I made my mother take me back home so that I could pay my respects to the family. I was impressed at the show of support to the family by all the other law enforcement agencies that had representatives there. There was a line into the church that wrapped around the block it seemed endless.
He was a very respected man and loved by many. I still think of that day whenever I hear of any officer gunned down in the line of duty. As always he family is always in my thoughts. My love and prayers to your family.

Marianne Kitchen
friend of Lt. Szwajkowski's daughter

August 19, 2007

R.I.P. Boss.

SGT. Jim Morace #458
PPD

June 27, 2007

Lt., your sacrifice on that fateful day will never be forgotten sir. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 27, 2007

He was a man that believed in God, and lived his life accordingly. He was a man of great integrity and moral character. It has been 30 years but not a day goes by that he is not in my thoughts. His words of wisdom have guided me through life. I have passed those words and thoughts on to his grandchildren. His spirit will always live on through us.

Walter R Szwajkowski
Son

October 4, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Philadelphia Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Lieutenant Szwajkowski deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Lieutenant Szwajkowski is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

May 24, 2006

I had the pleasure to work with Walt for
a couple of years. He was a man of good
character, and had a great sense of humor.

I was awaiting his arrivial at work on
that fatefull day he was gunned down.
We all lost a great man that day, who
had the potential to rise to the very
top of the Phila Police Department.

My sorrow at his passing is still very strong, and I know his family is still
in grief over his death. May he rest in
peace now, and forever.

Ret. P/O Stan Migliore
Philadelphia Police Department

March 7, 2006