David Leon Gwin

Incident

Chief Jailer David Gwin died as the result of a heart attack he suffered following a struggle with a prisoner.

The inmate had been arrested for drunk driving by members of the Macon Police Department and became extremely combative and belligerent with the Macon officers. He was transported to the Macon County Jail for processing and continued refusing the officers' orders. Chief Jailer Gwin instructed the inmate to remove his necklace, but the man refused. As Chief Jailer Gwin attempted to remove the necklace, the prisoner struggled with him. The prisoner was subdued with the assistance of the Macon officers.

After the prisoner was moved to a holding cell, Chief Jailer Gwin returned downstairs and began having trouble breathing while talking with the other officers. When the chief was transported to a hospital he stopped breathing. Officers and ER staff performed CPR and were able to stabilize his condition. He was flown to another hospital where he remained until passing away two weeks later.

Chief Jailer Gwin had served with the Macon County Sheriff's Department for 24 years.

Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." [John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM Ordained Independent NACM Minister I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired) Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998) June 24th, 2025

Agency

Service Record

Incident Details

National Cause Distribution

How Cardiac compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David Leon Gwin's cause is highlighted.

How David Leon Gwin Compares

When Cardiac Deaths Occur

Monthly distribution of Cardiac deaths across the full memorial record. David Leon Gwin is highlighted in Jun.