Association News

By William Taylor, IACLEA President

Last Friday, November 27, 2015, Officer Garrett Swasey of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Police Department, answered the call to assist city police officers 10 miles away in responding to an active shooter incident at a Planned Parenthood Office. Tragically, Officer Swasey lost his life that day.

Officer Swasey exemplified the best in our profession. He was a dedicated police officer, a devoted father and husband. He served his community and his church as an elder. His wife, Rachel, put it best when she said: 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. Read Rachel Swaseys statement here: http://pressreleases.uccs.edu/?p=2622

An Officer Garrett Swasey Memorial Fund has been established to assist his family. More information is available here: https://www.youcaring.com/the-family-of-officer-swasey-rachel-swasey-and-children-477034

Born in Melrose, MA, Swasey was a champion ice skater who moved to Colorado Springs in 1990 to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. He was a University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) Police Officer for the past six years. UCCS Police Officers are sworn and state certified.

Officer Swasey is the seventh campus police officer killed in the line of duty since 2000. His death is a reminder of the dangers that officers face each day as they carry out their duty to serve and protect the public.

IACLEA extends its deepest sympathies to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Police Department and to the university community.

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Media Contact:
Gwen Fitzgerald, Director of Communications
860.586.7517 - media@iaclea.org