John Swain retires after life of service

GALION - It was 56 years ago that John Swain first become a public servant for the city of Galion. Now he's taking a step away from public life.

Earlier this week, Swain resigned from his role as the city's safety-service director. Nikki Ward has handled the duties of that position for the last several weeks while Swain recovers from illness.

Swain was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, on Flag Day (June 14) in 1937, and moved to Crawford County at the age of 12 so that his mother — Faith Mackey — could be closer to family. He graduated from Galion High School in 1955. Swain's brother, Kenneth, a police officer in the city, gave him the idea to go into law enforcement.

"They had back then what they called extra men, which were part-time officers," Swain said. "I had gone to officer candidate school for the Ohio National Guard, so that kind of whetted my appetite for law enforcement."

Swain became an officer for the city in 1960, and was promoted to lieutenant by 1963. He became a captain in 1968, and the chief in 1971. But his brother almost earned the honor of running the department.

"We were captains together, and we took the test for the chief's vacancy," Swain said. "I was fortunate to get the top score."

His wife, Jo, said that just two years after becoming chief, Swain earned an unusual honor.

"He was also the first law enforcement officer from Crawford County to go to the FBI Academy and graduate," she said.

Swain retired for the first time in 1989 after 29 years with the police department. It wasn't long until he was itching to return to public service. He started working within the Republican party, chairing several campaigns throughout the years and manning the party's headquarters for more than 20 years.

In 1995, Swain ran for an open county commissioner's seat, but lost by only 200 votes. Throughout the years, Swain has also volunteered at the YMCA, has been a member of the First Lutheran Church in Galion and served as a Boy Scout Master.

By 2013, Galion found itself in a tumultuous transition for a city manager form of government to a mayoral form of government. Newly elected Galion Mayor Tom O'Leary knew he needed to bring on someone familiar with Galion to help the city get through the period successfully.

Strangely enough, Swain had always appreciated the role of safety-service director when the city had a mayoral government during his time with the police department. He liked the role so much that he wished he could fill it.

"Of course, I didn't think I'd ever have it, until one night I got a call from the mayor and he asked me to go to work for him," Swain said. "I said 'if I can serve my city, I will.'"

O'Leary was glad to have Swain's help, ensuring the city transitioned successfully into the new form of government.

"He really was the right person at the right time," O'Leary said of Swain. "He had the credibility within the community. He had the confidence and the competence to step in and make sure things were getting done."

Early this year, Swain started to feel tired after medical issues with this heart. After spending more than half of his adult life in service to the community, he decided it was time to retire one last time.

"If I could still be there, I would," Swain said. "I hope things continue on a smooth path for the city."

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