Shelley, ID – Shelley Police Sergeant Kent Swanson died in the line of duty on May 21, after suffering a heart attack while investigating a disturbance call.

Sgt. Swanson, 47, collapsed at the scene at approximately 10:30 p.m., Shelley Police Chief Rod Mohler said, according to East Idaho News.

His partner immediately began administering CPR until paramedics arrived.

Sgt. Swanson, a 16-year veteran of the department, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The officer was raised in the community he served, and went on to join the eight-member Shelley Police Department in 2001.

“He loved the job, and he loved to work,” Chief Mohler told the Idaho State Journal.

“With his upbeat personality, calm and warm demeanor, Sgt. Swanson was the ‘go-to-guy’ for his agency and his citizens,” True Blue Warriors said in a Facebook post. “Brother Kent was one of these men who once you became friends with, it was for life.”

During his time with the Shelley PD, Sgt. Swanson also worked as a school resource officer and a K9 handler.

His first K9 partner, Myrra, was injured in the line of duty, and afterwards she continued to reside with Sgt. Swanson and his family, according to his obituary.

Sgt. Swanson and his most recent partner, K9 Magnum, recently won first place in a scent detection competition at the Idaho Police Canine Association Conference in May.

“His passing is a big loss to law enforcement,” Idaho Falls Police Department Public Information Officer Holly Cook told the Idaho State Journal. “Sgt. Swanson was close to many of our officers and [was] a member of our local Idaho Falls FOP Lodge.”

Sgt. Swanson was also a founding member of the “Protectors,” a law enforcement motorcycle club in Idaho, according to his obituary.

The officer graduated from Shelley High School, and met his future wife, Shaney, during a school basketball game.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was working on a master’s degree in psychology at the time of his death.

Sgt. Swanson and Shaney would have celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in June.

He also leaves behind his 17-year-old son, Keegan, and his 16-year-old daughter, Saybree.

“From me and all the officers, we are grateful for the comments and for everyone reaching out with support,” Chief Mohler told East Idaho News. “We just appreciate this community.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Shelley Police Sergeant Kent Swanson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.