PRESS RELEASE: Manhattan Beach Police Department Loses Officer Chad Swanson (PDF)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RACHEL JOHNSON, CHIEF OF POLICE
rjohnson@manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5103

MEDIA CONTACT:
ALEXANDRIA LATRAGNA, COMMUNICATIONS & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
alatragna@manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5063

MANHATTAN BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT LOSES OFFICER CHAD SWANSON
Community mourns the loss of dedicated officer

Manhattan Beach, CA (October 4, 2023) – With heavy hearts, the Manhattan Beach Police Department confirms that Officer Chad Swanson passed away after being involved in a tragic multi-vehicle traffic accident early Wednesday morning.

Officer Swanson is survived by his wife, three young children, mother, father, as well as many other family members, colleagues and friends. Officer Swanson bravely served the Manhattan Beach Police Department since 2010 where he began on patrol and was selected for the Motor Division in 2017. Prior to serving in Manhattan Beach, Officer Swanson served the Hawthorne Police Department.

“We are all in shock after this tragic accident. Officer Swanson was a hero. While off duty in 2017, Officer Swanson was wounded in the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “He served as a hero that day in 2017 and was personally responsible for saving several lives, despite suffering his own injuries.”

“Officer Swanson was a joy to work with every single day,” said Chief of Police Rachel Johnson. “He was a true hero, always positive, and brought an energy to the force that will truly be missed. To honor his legacy, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of public service, integrity, and unity that defines our profession.”

The Manhattan Beach Police Department and the entire Manhattan Beach community mourns the loss of this dedicated officer, and will release additional information as it becomes available.

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A press conference will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in the Civic Center Plaza in front of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. 

The Manhattan Beach Police Officers’ Association has created a donation fund via the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Fund a Hero Program. Please visit the link below to support Officer Swanson’s family.