September 16, 2011

Sgt. Erik Swannack Retires

After nearly 23 years of distinguished service with the Santa Cruz Police Department Sgt. Erik Swannack has decided to spend more time surfing, travelling and being with his two daughters. Today is his final day with our agency. Sgt. Swannack has served in a remarkable leadership role for the Santa Cruz Police Department including winning Officer of the Year two times during his career and receiving the Medal of Honor for helping rescue a woman from the rubble at the Ford's Department store downtown during the earthquake.

During his tenure, Sgt. Swannack served as a Field Training Officer (mentoring young officers), was a member of the Firearms Team, worked downtown and in the original Street Crimes Unit. Additionally, he attended untold number of community events and meetings evening donning the McGruff costume for events and parades. He will retire as one of the sergeants in the Investigations Section - overseeing property crime investigations.

He embodies community-oriented policing and his dedication to our community is unsurpassed. Sgt. Swannack will be missed. If you see him out and about please thank him for his dedicated service!