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Incident
Turnkey Swartz was killed when he was struck on the head with a piece of angle iron by an inmate at the Chemung County Jail. The inmate's brother, who was a prisoner in the adjoining cell, had pried loose several wooden floor boards and found the piece of iron. The man passed it to his brother, who then called to Turnkey Swartz and asked to use the exercise room. When Turnkey Swartz opened the cell door he was attacked and beaten to death. The two brothers then escaped but were arrested a short time later walking along nearby railroad tracks. Both brothers, ages 21 and 23, were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. One was paroled in 1965. The other fought for his release for several years. The last information about him was he was denied parole in 1968.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Turnkey Swartz served with the Chemung County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elmira community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Turnkey Swartz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chemung County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 9 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
March holds 7.7% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Sundays: 13.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Chemung County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 2.3% 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 blunt object, in 1.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.1% of these deaths.
His people
Chemung County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Chemung County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
