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Incident
Patrol Officer William Swafford was shot and killed with his own weapon after observing a burglary in progress on North Sycamore Street at about 1:30 am. He attempted to block the vehicle in but had his patrol car rammed by the suspect. He then jumped on the running board and grabbed the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to crash through a store window at 128 N Sycamore Street. He was shot and killed during the ensuing struggle. The 28-year-old suspect was apprehended by FBI agents in New York City three weeks later. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He received an additional eight years for burglary. Officer Swafford had served with the Petersburg Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Patrol Officer Swafford gave the Petersburg Bureau of Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Swafford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Petersburg Bureau of Police has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1952, 1 officer at Petersburg Bureau of Police was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1952, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 40% of these deaths at Petersburg Bureau of Police, more than any other month. Mondays: 20%.
February holds 8.7% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Petersburg Bureau of Police, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.4% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Petersburg Bureau of Police has 7 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Petersburg Bureau of Police are honored on badge.nw.
