Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Commissioner Swackhammer,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Alaska. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 11, 2024

Uncle Swack, I pray you and Troy are rejoicing in God's love together as Father and Son. I miss you always.

Love, Amanda

Amanda Gallion
Family Friend

February 26, 2023

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten.

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

October 11, 2017

Missing you today, and every day, dad. I am honored to be your daughter. We have not forgotten you, nor the dedication and love you showed the dear people of Alaska. You and mom taught me to be strong but loving. You both are having a great time up in Heaven. Glad you could be together, sad to not have you near my arms to hug.
Love you.

Kim (Swackhammer) Feller
Daughter

February 14, 2017

I look forward to honoring your service.

Sergeant
Utah County Sheriff's Office

December 23, 2016

I only had the privilege of meeting and getting to know you but you made an impression on me. I was very impressed with you and your family. It is so unfortunate to lose you in this way. I am impressed with how you carried yourself and how kind you were.

David Winona

August 1, 2016

Cant believe it's been 21yrs since you passed. Just wanted to take a moment on the anniversary of your death to tell you how much I love and miss you. Thank your for teaching me the basics principles of being an honorable man. I'm where I am at today because of your teachings and influence in my life. RIP Dad, I have the watch from here.

Deputy Ty Swackhammer
Salt Lake County Sheriff Office "Son", UT

October 11, 2015

Swack was without a doubt one of my best friends. We met as recruits at the trooper academy and remained friends to the end. I remember so many good times together.

Deputy Chief Ed Rhodes
Anchorage Police Dept.

October 1, 2014

Dad my emotions are running high with the passing of Mom this last Friday. I'm so blessed and honored to be called your son. You and Mom were the best parents a child could ask for, and I know I speak on behalf of Kim and Troy as well. It brings me some comfort knowing that she went to heaven and is with you now, I have no doubt your reunion with her was filled with joy and happiness. Dad I want you and Mom to know that we are going to be ok! This is a hard time for Kim Troy and I but Mom's passing has brought the three of us closer together and we will continue to lean on each other through out the rest of our mortal existence. May you and Mom be at peace now and I'm looking forward to the day that I can wrap you two up in my arms again. I will love you and Mom always, your son Tyler

Tyler Swackhammer
Son

January 13, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 3, 2013

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

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 13, 2012

A true hero. A descendant of Jakob Schwechheimer (born in about 1545).

Vasili

September 28, 2012

Swack
Truly, today I reflect on what an impact you have made in my life,as well as in many others,such as your children, Cindy's,fellow officers,and to whom you ever came in contact with. I miss you and and think of you often and blessed to have had the opportunity to spend quality time with you, your family, and many of your friends and fellow troopers in Fairbanks. Love you and will never forget!
Your brother, Don

Don Swackhammer
Brother

September 17, 2012

Dear Swack, It has been too long. I miss you so. Think of you often with great sadness. Al

Al Swackhammer
Brother

June 16, 2012

"Swack" was the best supervisor I worked for. A nice guy and a charismatic leader. Cindy and Alaska lost a man of great character when that airplane crashed.

1st. Sgt. Greg Close
Alaska State Troopers

May 21, 2011

This is to Swack, Mrs. Swack and sons...

I knew your father back in 72 when he arrested me. I was young and made a serious mistake, but that does not negate what I did. Your father always treated me with kindness and sometimes with humor. I appreciated that so much at the time and as life went on he was never far from my mind. Today I watch the Alaska State Troopers show and think of Swack. He was a great man and I hope his sons always know this about him. One of you said he was a hero, and yes, I agree he was one. He could have, and probably did, teach the youngsters coming up in his footsteps in the Troopers that kindness goes a very long way, a lot longer than an attitude. Before he passed away I talked with him occasionally and he never missed the chance to tell me that he was proud of me for straightening my life out and becoming a productive member of society. I talked to his wife once when I thought of Swack and called to see how he was doing and she passed on to me the sad news of his passing. Tears came and I remembered the many kindnesses that he did for me. One such memory is when he came to LA to pick me up and bring me back to Anchorage and his wife fell ill on the plane flight from Hawaii. I asked him to keep giving me an update on her condition and said prayers for her speedy recovery. Swack was an awesome man. I have the utmost respect for him still. I never held a grudge for his arrest of me, he was just doing his job. But that man did it with such dignity, humanity and kindness. More cops should be like him. I will always remember him with a smile.

I know he's proud of his sons, looking down from wherever he is and as long as there are those of us who remember him he will live on forever.

Verna

Verna Hofhines
Friend

December 24, 2009

Hey Dad

I wish you were here right now!I could sure use your advice, Not a day goes by where I dont think of you. I remember the last fishing trip you and I had together,what joy that memory brings to my heart. Dad Im not sure how you feel about this decison, but I decided that I'm going to join the Alaska State Troopers once I'm done with school."well that is if they will have me" Some may think that im trying to be like you, im well aware I could never fill your shoes! "hehe" the one thing you tought me was to be true to yourself and be honest in everything you do and say. You still live on in Kim, Troy and I and I know that we will live our lives in away that would make you proud to be our father,cause we are so proud to be your children!
I love you Dad!!!
p.s watch over mom will ya?

Ty Swackhammer
Son

December 9, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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.

In reading the reflections, I can see that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by so many. Reading the reflections from your children, especially Tyler and Troy, have left tears streaming down my face. My grandson Cody was born 2 1/2 months after my son was fatally shot and he only knows his daddy through pictures and memories of others. The hurt of losing someone precious to you never goes away...the pain and pride is always forever.
So on this day, I hope for solace for your wife, your children Kim, Tyler, and Troy.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 17, 2009

Rest in peace. Your family has left some beautiful reflections.

Sgt
Boston Police

September 15, 2009

Still here dad. Wish you were here to help me with "life decisions." Mom sure could use you too.

Troy boy

Anonymous

July 10, 2009

Dad,

I joined a cribbage club in Southern Utah and was dealt a 28 hand! Dammit if I didn't get the right Jack for a 29 (it was three 5's and a King in my hand, with a 5 on the cut). I had to call Uncle Al to celebrate. How joyous it would have been to have called you if I could. The irony is that I dealt you two 28 hands in my teen years. You lucky bastard! You always were the golden child dad. The sun (aka, cribbage gods) always shined on you!

I'm always here, just as I know you are for me.

Troy boy

The eldest
son

January 31, 2009

May it be an evening star shines down upon you,
May it be when darkness falls your heart will be true,
You walk a lonely road oh how far you are from home.

May it be the shadows call will fly away, May it be your journey on to light the day,
When the night is overcome you may rise to find the sun.

Ty Swackhammer
Son

November 5, 2008

Dear Father,

I'm glad to see that this web site has become the de facto place to express what one feels about you and your legacy.

Still loving you Dad.

I'm hoping that you are playing cribbage on the other side. What a great way to pass the time (and possibly eternity) wherever it is you are inhabiting.

Keep on keepin' on Dad,

Troy Boy

Troy Eugene Swackhammer
Your son

October 30, 2008

Deputy Commisioner Swackhammer,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Alaska. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

October 11, 2008

Swack. You believed in me and thru your generousity and love ,you and Cindy opened your home to me and allowed me a fresh start.your generousity was a new beginning and amazing life in Alaska. August 11,1974 I will never forget and getting to know you and living with you - I will NEVER FORGET !!! I feel you are with me and protect me as my guardian angel . I never forget Number 33 !!! God Speed. Swack I'll always Love You - Don

don swackhammer
brother

August 24, 2008