Melrose Mourns Tragic Loss of Officer Garret Swasey

Flags were flying at half staff at City Hall and Melrose High School Monday to honor Police Officer Garrett Swasey, a former resident of Melrose and 1989 graduate of Melrose High School, who was murdered by a gunman in an attack on a Planed Parenthood clinic in Colorado this past Friday.

Melrose is mourning the horrific news just days after the learning of Swasey’s tragic death.

Police Chief Michael L. Lyle issued the following statement in response to the tragic killing of Swasey:

“The entire Melrose Police Department mourns the loss of our brother officer and native son of Melrose. Officer Swasey graduated from Melrose High School in 1989, along with Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan and several of our current Melrose police officers. This is a tragic and senseless loss of life, as a man who dedicated much of his life to helping others was murdered while performing his duties.

“On behalf of our entire community, I offer my most sincere condolences to the Swasey family, especially his wife and two children, during this impossibly difficult time.”

Swasey was one of three people who were killed in the shooting. Many other innocent victims were injured. He, along with his wife Rachel and their two children, were longtime residents of Melrose.

The 44-year-old was active in his community and his church in Colorado. He worked as an officer for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

“As a class of 1989 graduate, I remember him to be a kind and caring young man with many friends, dedicated to his skating career, and excelling in all areas at Melrose High School,” Dolan said. “Please keep his family, those who have passed, and all the victims, in your thoughts and prayers.”

Melrose will honor Swasey on Friday, Dec. 4 with a moment of silence at “Home for the Holidays.”

A memorial fund has been set up for the Swasey family.