Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Joseph Swierczynski was shot and killed while chasing two suspects after hearing shots near 9th Street and Fitzwater Street. He chased the two men to a saloon at 9th and Christian Streets until one of the men suddenly turned and opened fire, killing him. Officer Swierczynski's body remained on the street for almost 30 minutes until an anonymous woman called the station house to report the incident. Three men were arrested inside the saloon a short time later. One of the suspects was found guilty of first degree murder but acquitted on appeal after purportedly bribing the judge. The suspect was murdered in New York City six months later. Officer Swierczynski had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two young sons and is buried at Holy cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-83C9A6ED- Stewardship
- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Swierczynski gave the Philadelphia Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Swierczynski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Joseph T. Swierczynski is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph T. Swierczynski's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph T. Swierczynski Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph T. Swierczynski is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph T. Swierczynski was killed by gun.
Incident Location
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