Officer Garrett Swasey Memorial Fund

For: The family of Officer Swasey, Rachel Swasey and Children
Colorado Springs, CO
Organizer: Amy Oviatt
$252,630
of $150,000 goal.
Raised by 3649 donors
100% Complete

The Story

Officer Garrett Swasey, a police officer at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind a family including wife Rachel Swasey (nee' Aguilar), and 2 young children.  Daughter Faith is 6, and his son Elijah is 10. Elijah will be turning 11 in a few days.

Officer Swasey was a six-year veteran of the UCCS Police Department. UCCS officers are sworn, state-certified police officers. Officer Swasey was on duty at the campus and responded in support of Colorado Springs Police working the active shooter situation today at the offices of Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs.

Garrett was passionate about his role as a police officer, his family and his faith.  Originally from Boston, he moved to Colorado Springs in the early 90's to train at the Olympic Training Center as a champion ice dancer before retiring and moving into law enforcement.  Garrett was an Elder who lead various worship teams and played guitar at his church Hope Chapel.

Although funeral costs will be covered by the police, this campaign will be used to start an education fund for his two young children.

Funeral details will be released when available.



(This fund was created by Amy Oviatt - a friend of the Swasey family.  All funds will go directly to Officer Swasey's widow, Rachel Swasey, adminstered by her sister, Christine Aguilar.  Amy Oviatt, and Rachel Swasey are residents of Colorado Springs. Christine Aguilar resides in Drake, Colorado)

Fundraiser Updates

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Amy Oviatt
The Swasey family hopes you all had a wonderful holiday.  As you can imagine this was an emotional holiday for their family.  But some fun was found, and they truly felt the love and blessings sent by each and every one of you during this very difficult time.  We hope you all felt love and peace this season as well, and want to wish you all of the best for 2016. ♥♥♥

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Amy Oviatt
We occasionally receive suggestions that we raise the goal on this memorial fundraiser.  We have chosen not to do so because we want to be respectful to all of the victims of these horrible events, and want all of you to know that we are grateful for every dollar, prayer, and bit of support received whether it be $1 or $1000.  Additional donations will definitely help the Swasey family as they move forward without Garrett in their lives, and words will never be enough to truly express their gratitude for all of the support given.  But we'll do our best by continuing to say thank you, thank you, thank you!

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Amy Oviatt
It's been a week and a half since Garrett Swasey was laid to rest. As bills come in for funeral, and life expenses, and as Christmas approaches, we want you to know how much your donations are helping the grieving family work through this incredibly difficult time.  Thank you and blessings to you all.

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Amy Oviatt

Words cannot express the awe we felt during the entire day's funeral proceedings on Friday.  We could spend hours telling you about the many overwhelming honors received, and still not do it justice.  The family would like to thank all of the agencies, groups, and individuals that gave so much in the form of escorts, motorcades, salutes, prayers, tears, and love.  We couldn't begin to tell you what it feels like to see flashing lights for a far as the eye can see in either direction on either side of the limo; or what it felt like to see citizens holding signs, waving flags, hands to hearts, hats off, or waving at us as we passed.  WE FELT THE LOVE AND WE THANK YOU.  It made a difference, it really did.  For those who may not have seen them, there are a variety of links available to see some of the footage from the day.  Here is a link to Rachel Swasey speaking about her husband at Friday's services.  We hope that you, the donors and supporters know how much Rachel appreciates everything you've done for her and her family.  She tells you here:

https://www.facebook.com/KRDONewsChannel13/videos/1077664312284249/


Posted on December 4, 2015 by Amy Oviatt
Today, Officer Garrett Swasey will be laid to rest.  In addition to all of you out there who have expressed such love and concern, we'd like to thank all of the people at various organizations who have helped to organize today's funeral which is expected to have a large turnout.  If you are unable to attend, but would like to watch, New Life Church will be providing three different video feeds from their in-house camera system and a live stream.  You can access the live feed here:  www.nlclive.com

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Amy Oviatt

If anyone out there prefers to donate offline, you can send a check to Rachel Swasey at the following address:

P O Box 25024
Colorado Springs CO 80936


Posted on December 2, 2015 by Amy Oviatt

The funeral for University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Officer Garrett Swasey will take place Friday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. at New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway in Colorado Springs.

Gov. John Hickenlooper, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, as well as UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak, UCCS Police Chief Brian McPike, Pastor Kurt Aichele and family members are planned speakers, according to UCCS spokesperson Tom Hutton.

A motorcade will follow the service and a reception is planned for 4 p.m. at Berger Hall on the UCCS campus.


Posted on November 30, 2015 by Amy Oviatt
You all are amazing.  Rachel Swasey and her children face a life ahead without their beloved husband and father, but you all are ensuring that they don't do it alone, or without the necessary resources.  We never dreamed that the fund would grow in this way, but it certainly will help this family survive as they move forward in life.  We can't thank you enough.

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Amy Oviatt

Wow!!  While we hope that none of you experience the need for a memorial fund such as this, we can't begin to tell you how amazing it feels to receive such a generous and loving response from the community at large!  Garrett was a police officer and a pastor because he lived to serve.  He would be amazed, and possibly even a touch embarrassed, at the overwhelming recognition and concern you all of shown in so many ways including donations, gifts of photos, etc.

PLEASE also consider donating to the memorial funds of the other two victims.  A fund has just been started for Jennifer Marovksy and one was started over the weekend for Ke'Arre Stewart. They need your support and shares, probably even more than the Swasey's.  Please donate and share, share, share.  Thank you in advance!  Here are the links:

Jennifer Markovsky Memorial Fund:
https://www.youcaring.com/paul-markovsky-478107

Ke’Arre Stewart Memorial Fund:
https://www.gofundme.com/2rcg8j6s

♥♥♥

Posted on November 29, 2015 by Amy Oviatt

We would like to take a minute to honor the other two victims of these horrible events, Jennifer Markovsky and Ke'Arre Stewart.  Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers, and please consider donating to their memorial funds as well.  We don't yet have memorial fund information for Jennifer Markovsky, but please visit the link below to make a donation in honor of Ke'Arre Stewart, a father of two and an Iraq veteran. Our hearts are with them.

https://www.gofundme.com/2rcg8j6s

#ppshooting #centennialblshooting



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