Swansea honors two officers for life‑saving aid and swears in promoted sergeant; trustees approve recruitment and travel requests

Swansea Mayor called the meeting to order and the police chief presented life‑saving awards to Sergeant Aaron Huff and Officer Derek Shackman for their May 16 response to a stabbing victim who received emergency care and survived.

Chief Blumbberg described how Sergeant Huff, who oversees the department's EMS training, applied a chest seal and direct pressure and rode with the victim in a squad car to the hospital. The chief played a condensed body‑camera video and read the department's life‑saving citation, saying the officers' “calm demeanor, decisive action, and application of emergency medical training under extreme pressure exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement and public service.”

After applause, the board moved to a personnel agenda item. The chief announced the promotion of detective Jason Frank to sergeant, summarized his service since 2005 and specialized digital‑forensics training, and administered the oath of office. Frank stood with family members and posed for photos after the ceremony.

On staffing, the chief said an officer plans to leave for Minnesota and asked for permission to begin recruiting a replacement now so the village will not face a long gap in patrol coverage. Trustees agreed to allow staff to start candidate outreach and background work; the chief said any formal hire would return to the board when the incumbent submits paperwork.

Trustees also moved a travel request for Chief Blumbberg and Deputy Chief Keith Howard to attend the FBI National Academy alumni meeting; the board forwarded the request to a forthcoming board vote and later approved travel at the board level.

The board thanked the officers for their service and recognized the role of body‑camera footage in showing on‑scene actions.