Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Hugh Swartz was shot and killed while attempting to serve three warrants to a man at the man's home at Buffalo Creek, West Virginia. The suspect opened fire on Trooper Swartz with a 410 gauge shotgun. Despite being wounded, Trooper Swartz was able to make it back to his patrol car and radio for help. However, he succumbed to the wounds by the time an ambulance arrived. The suspect, 43, was charged with several crimes, including first-degree murder. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 24, 1971. He had served with the West Virginia State Police for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three daughters, and two brothers who also served with the West Virginia State Police.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-C07D782E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Swartz gave the West Virginia State Police 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of West Virginia. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Swartz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Hugh Donald Swartz is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At West Virginia State Police, 21 of 42 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Hugh Donald Swartz's cause is highlighted.
How Hugh Donald Swartz Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Hugh Donald Swartz is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Hugh Donald Swartz was killed by shotgun; 410 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
41 officers from West Virginia State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
