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Incident
Night Marshal Anthony Swatta was shot and killed when he responded to the sound of a gunshot in front of the Valley Junction City Hall. A man who had just shot his step-son shot the marshal as he approached. The suspect then shot and killed himself.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Marshal Swatta served with the West Des Moines Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the West Des Moines community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Swatta.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
West Des Moines Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
M. is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
M. is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
M. is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 1 officer in IA was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
M. was 43. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
M. was 43. 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.
M. was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 10.1% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Wednesdays: 20.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at West Des Moines Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 18.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
West Des Moines Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, M. among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from West Des Moines Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
