Tenino Police Chief Robert Swain has died, department announces
Tenino Police Chief Robert Swain has died, the police department announced on Facebook Monday morning.
Swain, who had recently retired because of his health, died Sunday night, according to the post. He was 62.
“With a heavy heart, we share the news that we lost Chief Robert Swain last night to health complications,” the post reads. “His guidance, mentorship, leadership, stories, and friendship will truly be missed. We are eternally grateful for your service. Rest in peace, brother, and keep watch over us.”
Tenino Mayor Wayne Fournier also shared his thoughts on Facebook.
“My heart goes out to Chief Swain’s family, friends and colleagues,” his post reads. “It was an honor to get to know Bob and work with him for the last few years. He will certainly be missed and he definitely left a lasting legacy.”
Swain had battled several medical issues in recent years, according to information released by the city about 2 p.m. Monday. He died at his home Sunday night, surrounded by family, after a brief period of hospice.
Swain joined the Tenino Police Department in July 2018, according to the city. During his tenure, he established the Tenino Police Reserve Academy. He also was responsible for publishing a new standing operating procedures manual, instituted a sergeant’s position and established a training program that led to the qualification of field training officers, firearms instructors, school resource officers and detectives, according to the city.
Thurston County Commissioner John Hutchings, also a former Tenino Police Chief, said Monday he met Swain before and after he became chief.
“I found him to be kind, soft spoken and a very intelligent man,” Hutchings said. “I was so impressed with him. The community of Tenino wrapped their arms around Chief Swain.”
He added: “I can’t imagine the grief the city is experiencing. It’s just so sad.”
In April, Chief Swain experienced a “medical emergency” while driving one of the department’s cruisers and crashed into the side of a restaurant. He suffered only minor injuries as a result, The Olympian reported.
After the crash, Tenino hired retired Tumwater Police Chief John Stines as acting Tenino chief.
Mayor Fournier said Swain later returned to work, then retired because of his health.
The city is in the process of hiring a new chief, but in the interim, the police department’s administrative staff can run the department, he said.
Swain is survived by his wife, Becky, his sons Ronald and Bradley, his brother, Michael, and his stepfather, James Caldwell, according to the city.
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 10:28 AM.
