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Incident
Posseman George Swank was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a gang of bandits terrorizing the area.
The sheriff deputized a group of men to arrest a group of bandits who were raiding cattle, robbing ranches, stealing horses, taking citizens hostage, setting fires, and terrorizing Nueces County. Posseman Swank and three other posse members found the group camping in a brush. As they approached, a gunfight ensued and Posseman Swank was shot and killed.
All the bandits fled except for one. He was captured, taken into Nuecestown (current day Corpus Christie), and hung.
Posseman Swank was a Civil War Union Soldier and had served one day with the Nueces County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Posseman Swank served with the Nueces County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Corpus Christi community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
George W. Swank served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nueces County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
George is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1875, 1 officer at Nueces County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1875, 7 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1875, 28 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 157th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1875, 32 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 156th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 33. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Nueces County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 24.5 and 35; the middle age was 30. George had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 2.1 years.
George was 33. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. George had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
George was 33. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. George had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 33. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 14.3% of these deaths at Nueces County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 28.6%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 77.8% of all 9 deaths at Nueces County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Nueces County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, George among them.
Military Service
George W. Swank served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit George W. Swank’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-WT
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Nueces County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
