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Incident
Detective Charles Swanson suffered a fatal heart attack following a struggle with a suspect. He and his partner were preparing to search a location for a felony case when the suspects showed up at the location and then sped away. The two officers pursued the suspects until the their vehicle crashed and they fled on foot. Detective Swanson caught up with one of the suspects and arrested him after a violent struggle. He collapsed after placing the suspect in the back of his patrol car. His partner immediately administered CPR and called for assistance. Detective Swanson was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detective Swanson had been recognized as the Officer of the Year award twice during his 22-year career.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- 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
22 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Swanson gave the Eureka Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Eureka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Swanson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Eureka Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Charles is one of 52 officers lost to cardiac events in CA, 2.8% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Charles is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1996, 2 officers in CA were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1996, 17 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 21st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1996, 17 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 21st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Charles was 47. Of the 51 lost to cardiac events in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 52.5; the middle age was 44. Charles had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Charles was 47. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Charles had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Charles was 47. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Charles had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
November holds 15.4% of these deaths in CA; January holds the most, 15.4%. Thursdays: 7.7%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Eureka Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 2.8% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 19.2% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
His people
Eureka Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Eureka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
