In Memoriam
It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived." - Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor
Coppell Police Department Memorial
Dedicated May 7, 2010
Officer Donald Wayne Swearingin
Hired: February 16, 1972
End of Watch: December 12, 1972
On December 12, 1972, Officer Swearingin was in pursuit of a speeding motorist when his patrol car went out of control and crashed on Denton Tap Road, north of Belt Line Road. Officer Swearingin was pronounced deceased at Parkland Hospital at age 20.
Officer Donald Swearingin made a big impact to the City of Coppell in his one year of service. Standing at 6 feet, 5 inches tall, the locals nicknamed him "Big Don," and he was beloved by all he served. Swearingin served as the only Police Officer for the city of 2,200 for three months, from April 1972 to June 1972. He was a graduate of Weatherford High School and worked for Weatherford Police Department from December 16, 1970 until January 24, 1972. Officer Swearingin received a commendation from the City in May of 1972 for the arrest, and subsequent prosecution, of a suspect linked to six Dallas area murders.
Officer Swearingin is survived by his parents and brother. Though Officer Swearingin precedes us in death, his impact to the City of Coppell will never be forgotten.
Officer Michael "Mike" Johns
Hired: June 6, 1991
End of Watch: December 28, 2001
At about 8:50 am on December 28, 2001, Officer Johns was attempting to stop a speeding motorist in the 1000 block of West Bethel Road. While attempting to catch the violator, Officer Johns and an unrelated vehicle collided. Officer Johns was pronounced deceased at Methodist Hospital in Dallas as a result of his injuries.
Michael "Mike" Johns was born in August 1956 on Edwards Air Force Base in California. He graduated from Duncanville High School in 1974. People describe him as a phenomenal man with a wonderful sense of humor, he was caring, and lived his lifelong dream of being a police officer. He served as a Plano Police Officer from 1981 to 1982, a Desoto Police Officer from 1982 to 1991, and a Coppell Police Officer for over 10 years until his untimely death.
Officer Michael Johns is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and sisters. Though Officer Johns precedes us in death, his impact to the City of Coppell will never be forgotten.