Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Det. Swanson,
On today, the 25th anniversary of of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Eureka. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 21, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 8, 2020

It’s been many years since Charlie’s death and I still think about him. We shared so much; growing up together as kids in the same neighborhood and playing in the nearby forest, both becoming peace officers at EPD and later working with Charlie on many major felony cases when he was EPD’s lead detective and I was with the DA’s office as their Chief Investigator. I got at least one call a day from Charlie in those days and they always began the same way i.e. “hey Barry, Charlie here”. Charlie was a phenomenal detective, a man of unwavering character and courage. He was truly my “brother in arms”. He is still missed after all these years. And I can still hear his infectious and distinctive laugh.

Barry Brown, DA Chief Investigator (ret)
Humboldt County DA’s Office

August 23, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 20, 2017

A great man and police officer as well as a friend to many.

Ret Sgt.
Fortuna Police Department

December 23, 2014

We won't forget you Charlie even though you left us so long ago. I still remember that fateful day and the utter feeling of hopelesness as i heard the call coming in. Rest easy my friend.

Det. Sgt. Bill Nova
Eureka Police Department - Colleague

October 8, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 20, 2009

Rest in Peace, Detective Swanson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Rest in Peace Sir

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

"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

November 25, 2007

No fellow California law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.

Detective Swanson, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 21, 2007

On the 11th anniversary of Detective Swanson's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Detective Swanson is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

November 20, 2007

I remember Charlie as a man with a quick smile and wit, and as a solid Christian man who loved his family. Losing a man of his caliber truly left an unfillable void. My prayers are with his family and fellow officers. God Bless...

Sergeant Casey Dorland
Albany Police Dept. (Former Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputy)

July 30, 2004

I remember him as an instructor from College of the Redwoods Police Academy. He was one of the better ones, and cared about what he taught. I was in the academy there in Fall 1989.

Glen Mercer
Sutter County Sheriff's Office

February 17, 2004

Your passing saddens me greatly, my father was taken in much the same way. Family and friends will never forget you and I know from our experience they will go stronger because of you. Rest in peace my brother.

Carl Wortham
Son Of Glenn T. Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs PD OK