Officer Garrett Swasey, a police officer at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind a family including wife Rachel Swasey, and 2 young children. Daughter Faith is 6, and his son Elijah is 10. Elijah will be turning 11 in a few days.
Officer Swasey was a six-year veteran of the UCCS Police Department. UCCS officers are sworn, state-certified police officers. Officer Swasey was on duty at the campus and responded in support of Colorado Springs Police working the active shooter situation at the offices of Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs.
This is shared at the request of the Officer Swasey’s family:
Statement by Rachel Swasey, wife, Officer Garrett Swasey
The family of Officer Garrett Swasey sincerely thanks everyone for their support during this very difficult time. Our loss cannot be expressed in words. While the nation now knows Garrett as a hero who gave his life for others, he was also a devoted husband of 17 years and a wonderful father to his two children. His greatest joys were his family, his church, and his profession. We will cherish his memory, especially those times he spent tossing the football to his son and snuggling with his daughter on the couch.
Garrett was born in Melrose, Massachusetts. After a successful career in ice skating, Garrett found his calling as a police officer. Helping others brought him deep satisfaction and being a police officer was a part of him. In the end, his last act was for the safety and wellbeing of others and was a tribute to his life. What we need most today, and in the coming weeks, is your prayers for our family and for others who were impacted by this tragedy.
We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love that has come from the community and across the nation.
We understand this is a public tragedy felt by many and we also appreciate your support for us to grieve privately.
Donations are being received at this link:
https://www.youcaring.com/the-family-of-officer-swasey-rachel-swasey-and-children-477034
