Kent Donald Swanson

K-9 Handler Sergeant Kent Donald Swanson of the Shelley Police Department, passed away in the line of duty May 21, 2018, from an apparent heart attack.Kent was born July 3, 1970, in Boise, Idaho.  He is the son of Donald Rex Swanson and Ruth Janeal Kearsley Swanson of Shelley, Idaho.Kent attended Shelley schools and graduated from Shelley High School.  He continued his education at Idaho State University and Seton Hall University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  He was currently working on his Master’s Degree in Psychology.He met his sweetheart, Shaney Walters, in 1989 when she moved to Shelley during the middle of her junior year of high school.  He saw her for the first time across the gym at a basketball game. He then waited for her every day after school on his motorcycle until she agreed to go out with him.  He graduated high school in May of 1989, and left her in September of that year to serve a Mission to Des Moines, Iowa, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Shaney waited for him, and two weeks after he returned home, he proposed.  They were married June 26, 1992, in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS Temple. Their son, Keegan Kent Swanson, was born July 25, 2000, and their daughter, Saybree Irene Swanson, followed on April 23, 2002.  This June would have been their 26th wedding anniversary.Kent loved to travel and go on cruises.  He took Shaney on Valentine’s cruises as often as possible.  His favorite Christmas gift to Keegan and Saybree were vacations to Disneyland, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios.  Kent also loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  He would make up errands just so he’d have an excuse to ride his bike.  One of his favorite things was going on long rides with his friends. He also took Saybree on a daddy daughter ride to Las Vegas every summer.  Kent helped start a chapter of “Protectors” Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club here in Idaho. His nickname was “Billboard” as everything he owned was plastered with the Harley Davidson logo.As stated in “True Blue Warrior’s Post”...  “Born with a soul that has courage to wear the Badge, Sgt. Swanson had been saving, serving, and protecting the people for more than 11 years as a law enforcement officer.  During his career, Brother Kent served as a school resource officer for the Shelley school district as well as K9 handler for the Shelley Police Department. The community of Shelley loved this Lawman who treated everyone with kindness, humanity, fairly, and with no preconceived judgement.  Brother Kent was one of these men who once you became friends with, it was for life. He never forgot anyone. With his upbeat personality, calm and warm demeanor, Sgt. Swanson was the ‘go-to-guy’ for his agency and his citizens. He will be missed by so very many, forgotten by so few.”  Kent was also a member of the Idaho State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 6.Kent’s first K9 drug dog was a German Shepherd named Myrra.  She was injured in the line of duty and retired. However, she currently resides with Kent’s family as a beloved, 110 pound pet.  After Myrra’s retirement, Kent and Keegan traveled to Alabama and obtained Magnum, a Belgian Malinois. Magnum was also trained as a drug dog.  Although he looks fierce, he is one big sweetheart, as all of the students in the Shelley schools can attest. Kent and Magnum had a special relationship.  Kent spent many hours with Magnum both at work and at home. One of the rewards of this unique bond was achieving 1st place in scent detection at the Idaho Police Canine Association Conference held May, 2018.  He loved his dog.  Survivors include his wife Shaney, son Keegan, and daughter Saybree, all of Idaho Falls; his mother Ruth Janeal Swanson of Shelley, and a sister Debra Lynn Doyle of San Antonio, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his father, Donald.  Funeral services will be held at the Idaho Falls LDS South Stake Center (2051 South Emerson Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404) Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 12:00 Noon.  The family will visit with friends at the church Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.  In Lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions to the Idaho Peace Officers Memorial Fund Incorporated, 700 South Stratford Drive, Meridian, Idaho 83642.