Remembering Officer Garrett Swasey

The death of University of Colorado police officer Garrett Swasey is hitting hard for many not just in the world of law enforcement, but also competitive ice skating.

Friend and fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan took to Twitter to offer her condolences, tweeting: "My prayers and love go out to Garretts (sic) entire family. Remembering a wonderful friend and person whom will be greatly missed!"

Two-time Olympian figure skater Michelle Kwan also turned to social media to express grief over the loss of Swasey.

"My heart breaks for #GarrettSwasey - father, police officer, Pastor, skating champ. Pray for his family & end of senseless violence in #US," she tweeted.

Swasey grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts. The mayor of Melrose, Rob Dolan, graduated with Swasey in 1989. Back then, according to Dolan, if you knew Garrett Swasey, you knew he was big in to ice skating.

"He trained, he was tired and he wanted to be in the Olympics and make a big mark," said Dolan.

His high school yearbook echoed those sentiments, captioning his graduation photo: "Hampton Beach class of 89, watch 96 Olympics. See you there."

Swasey chased his Olympic dream to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where U.S. figure skating is headquartered.

U.S. Figure Skating released a statement saying in part, "the figure skating community mourns the tragic loss of Officer Garrett Swasey, a former U.S. junior ice dance champion. Garrett is remembered as a kind and selfless man who was well liked by friends and competitors alike."

Sawsey even competed at "Nationals" in the early 90s, winning the National Junior Ice Dance title with partner Christine Fowler at the 1992 U.S. National Figure Skating Championship.

Garrett Swasey
Christine Fowler Binder
In these undated photos, former figure skater Christine Fowler Binder and officer Garret Swasey are pictured.

But like for so many, the Olympic dream faded though a love for skating remained. Swasey became a police officer and a leader at his church. It was in those roles at the age of 44 he died a son, husband and a father of two.

Melrose is working to send a few police officers to Swasey's funeral.

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