The 25th Annual Peace Officer of the Year Awards

In a profession where good work often goes unnoticed, it’s important that we take time to recognize the exceptional work that law enforcement officers do on a daily basis. The 25th Annual SDPOA Peace Officer of the Year Awards were held at the Hard Rock Hotel and recognized the most outstanding representatives from 17 local law enforcement agencies.

This year, the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award was presented to Officer Jeffrey Swett. This prestigious award is given to officers who return to active duty after recovering from a severe injury. While working patrol on January 13, 2015, Officers Jeffrey Swett and Brett Byler arrived at a home in Barrio Logan where residents reported a man was outside attempting to break in and threatening to kill them.

When the officers arrived at the scene, the suspect leapt into Officer Swett’s patrol SUV and drove it at both officers. Officer Swett was knocked onto the hood of the vehicle as the suspect accelerated; eventually, Officer Swett was thrown into a corrugated metal fence. Officer Swett was immediately rushed to the hospital; he had sustained a broken left femur, a broken left fibula, three broken bones in both wrists, a broken neck, two fractures to his spine, several broken ribs, a tear in his aorta and a deep laceration from his forehead to the crown of his head requiring multiple staples.

After spending two weeks in the hospital and a week in a rehabilitation center, Officer Swett returned home in a wheelchair. He underwent a total of six surgeries on his neck, leg and both wrists throughout this grueling recovery period–– doctors told him these injuries were career ending.

But filled with determination and courage, Officer Swett was eager to prove them wrong. He returned to work, full duty, in mid-November 2015, just ten months after sustaining a multitude of debilitating injuries. And this is not the first time Officer Swett has beaten the odds and overcome severe injuries. In January 2013, Officer Swett broke his left tibia and fibula into 53 pieces by jumping over a fence to investigate a domestic violence incident. He required three surgeries and now has two plates from his knee to his ankle to support his leg; after six months of recuperation, Officer Swett returned to full duty. In October 2013, Officer Swett was struggling with a combative suspect when he sustained a right broken tibia. After six months of recuperation, Officer Swett again returned to full duty.

Officer Swett’s miraculous perseverance is a testament to his extraordinary character, determination and commitment to the community he serves.

Also at the event, The San Diego Police Officers Association took a moment to recognize the following sponsors for their dedication to helping law enforcement: The Law Offices of Bobbitt, Pinckard and Fields, California Casualty, Jenny Craig, California Coast Credit Union, Law Office of David B. Dugan, San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union, The Law Offices of O’Mara & Padilla and The San Diego Chargers. Congratulations to all of the recipients, and thank you for your dedication and service to the community.