Holly MatkinChicago, IL – Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officer Patricia “Patsy” Swank died by suicide on July 2, according to her department.
The CPD released a statement confirming the agency had “experienced the heartbreaking loss of one of our police officers to an apparent suicide,” WLS reported.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the fallen hero as 29-year-old Officer Swank the following day.
“The officer’s family is forever changed, and we ask that you please hold the officer’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers, as they begin to process this tragedy,” the CPD said, according to WLS.
Officer Swank served the department for more than six years, according to her obituary.
“She was an amazing, beautiful soul,” the tribute read.
The young officer leaves behind her five-year-old son, Scottie, who was quoted in her obituary.
“My Mom, My Wonder Woman, my Heart..I will love and miss you forever,” he said.
She is also survived by her parents, siblings, grandmother, boyfriend, and many friends and extended family members.
“My heart aches for the entire Chicago Police Department family who are grieving the loss of one of their own,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted. “Every single day officers risk their lives for our safety and we cannot take the demands placed on the men and women of our police force for granted.”
A fundraising page established to help Officer Swank’s family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $71,000 so far.
“Her family and friends are devastated,” a post on the fundraising page read. “While we struggle to live life without our ray of sunshine, we ask for your help to cover funeral expenses and her son’s future. Thank you for your love and support at this time.”
Officer Swank will be laid to rest on July 11.
Absolutely heartbreaking story here. CPD Officer Patricia Swank suddenly passed this weekend and leaves behind a 5 year old son. If you can donate please do so https://t.co/HrKbAptM9Y
— Chief (@BarstoolChief) July 5, 2022
SAY Her Name!
Chicago Police Officer
"PATRICIA SWANK"
Gone but NEVER Forgotten
RIP Sister 🙏🏻
🚔💙🖤💙🚔
If you need help
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is there
IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF AT A LOSS
PLEASE CALL SOMEONE WILL TALK YOU THROUGH THAT MOMENT
(800)273-8255 pic.twitter.com/o1A62eQRuS— ChiCook Officers (@CookOfficer) July 3, 2022
My heart aches for the entire Chicago Police Department family who are grieving the loss of one of their own. Every single day officers risk their lives for our safety and we cannot take the demands placed on the men and women of our police force for granted.
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 2, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicago Police Department Officer Patricia “Patsy” Swank, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
