Prev
Incident
The subject, an ex-convict, opened fire with a pistol striking the marshal in the shoulder and abdomen as he approached him. Marshal Swanson returned fire hitting the suspect in the leg. Despite his wounds, Marshal Swanson marched his prisoner two blocks to a telephone where he called for assistance. He kept his prisoner covered until a Knox County deputy arrived and then he collapsed. Marshal Swanson remained in the hospital in serious condition until succumbing to his wounds five months later. The suspect was charged with murder and burglary.
The 32-year-old suspect was convicted of burglary and sentenced to 8 to 12 years. The murder charge was dismissed because a coroners jury said he died of pneumonia and they could not say for sure if the gunshot wounds caused it.
Marshal Swanson had served with the Altona Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmvznwtjmkqaxd3dnapb- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Harold. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Village Marshal Swanson gave the Altona Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Altona community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Village Marshal Swanson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harold is the only officer of Altona Police Department remembered here.
Harold is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Harold is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1965, 6 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1965, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1965, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harold was 53. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 53. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Altona Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Altona Police Department are honored on badge.nw.