My City September 2021

MYHEROES

GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SHERIFF SWANSON, WHY DID YOU PURSUE LAW ENFORCEMENT? Both my father and grandfather were Detroit Police Officers, which allowed me to hear the BEST stories of protecting and serving that a young boy could hear. Since then, it’s been “in my blood.” I will say that if you ask most police officers in America, the most common response will be, “I love to help people and I’m willing to give my life to do so.” WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE DEPARTMENT IN THE NEXT YEAR? Those of us in law enforcement/public service have had an incredible journey since COVID first hit and the death of George Floyd. I’m convinced it’s made us more professional and committed to be the very best. In the Sheriff ’s Office, we have changed the culture to PROTECT, SERVE and UNIFY! That last discipline – UNIFY – has been missing as a “standard” in law enforcement. I’ve seen the power of UNITY and when witnessed authentically, it speaks to millions. Ś‰KĄK ŚKĄK ťÝĩ Ś‰KÇ ťÝĩ ‰K ĄA Ýy ě‰K ўӕіі ěKĄĄÝĄŽČě ěě :¶Ӟ I was a detective sergeant and had just reported for duty.My buddy called and said a plane had just hit one of the Twin Towers. Like most, I figured it was a smaller prop plane and an accident.When the second plane hit, I knew America was under attack. Nobody knew what the end was going to look like.When planes three and four went down, I felt empty and angry inside.The images of the towers burning and people jumping have never left me. As a 28-year-old with a young family, I felt such deep pain for the victims and their families and still do. I continue to read the accounts, watch documentaries and keep 9/11 fresh so as to never forget ALL who gave their lives since that day.

CHRIS SWANSON SHERIFF

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