Washington Township Firefighter, Ohio ● Line of Duty Death: December 8, 2022
On December 8th, 2022 Firefighter and Paramedic Charles Swank was attending a firefighting training in Pensacola, Florida when he suffered a fatal cardiac event.
Swank was born and raised in a small town in Ohio. He grew up with his mother, father, two brothers, and a sister. As a child Swank was very athletic and spent much of his free time in the weight room and on the field trying to better himself for the good of the team.
Swank was a senior in highschool when he enlisted in the United States Army on September 11th, 2001 immediately following the fall of the twin towers. He served in the Army for four years before he began school to be a firefighter. In 2007 Swank started his first full time firefighting job in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Swank loved the camaraderie and brotherhood that came along with both the military and fire service. He also loved helping others and working selflessly to make a difference in the community.
Swank will be remembered as a leader and a hero. He was a man that never held back, and never put himself first. He spent his life volunteering and serving others; all while making time to be the very best father and husband.
Firefighter and Paramedic Charles Swank is survived by his wife, Alaina, and their five children, Jaxon, Kasey, Haylee, Trey, and Troy.