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.