Evening star., 1909-04-22
VETERAN OF THE POLICE
Service for District Extends Back to
January 81, 1867.
OFFICER IN THE UNION ARMY
Vacancy Provides Promotion for One
of the Precinct Captains and
for Lieutenant.

Surprise was caused in police circles
this afternoon by the announcement that
Inspector John A. Swindells, connected
with the force since January 81. 1867. had
been recommended for retirement. to take
effect the end Of this month. He will
receive pension Of $40 month.
"One of the best educated and most
practical officers Of the force Maj. Syl-
vester wrote of Inspector Swindells sew
eral years ago, rs John A. Swindells.
Even tempered and broad gauged in his
ideas. with the courage necessary for all
cessfully in the several lines to which he
has been assigned"
The announcement caused genuine sor
row to practically every veteran of the
police department and District officials.
who know the inspector and appreciate his
worth. He has filled every position in
the department. being regarded by Maj.
Sylvester as one of the most valuable
assistants ever in the department. His
even temper and upright method of do
ing business had won him many friends.
No matter the nature of his business or
the excitement incident to it, Mr.. Swim
dells never became agitated.
Native Of Maryland.
John A. swindells is a native of Bal
timore county, Md, where his early days
were spent. He was born October "a,
1898. He was a miller by trade. and
worked in a Georgetown mill after he
had performed service for his country
throughout the war He was in the ar
tillery. and won distinction for himself.
q commissioned
officer. He performed military duty in
Virginia when soldiers were defending
this city from expected attack.
Early in January. 1867. Mr. Swindeils
applied for position in the police de-
partment and ten days later, January ID.
he received an appointment December
Is, 1870. he was made acting sergeant,
being promoted to full sergeant about two
years later. May 1. 1883. about the time
OF the reorganization of the police de-
partment, he was placed in charge Oh
precinct as lieutenant, and November OF
that year was put in charge of the de-
tective office. remaining there until FEB
ruary 6. 1892 February Ii. 1904. he
was promoted to captain and was made
inspector July !, 1908.
Commanded Detective Bureau.
AS a lieutenant of police. John A.
Swindells was chosen to command the
detective bureau shortly after the reor-
ganiZatiOn of that branch of the service,
when policemen were taken from the pre-
cincts and assigned to work as dete Olives
1t was a trying time in the history of
the secret service branch of the depart
ment, and the chief of police selected
Swindells because of his ability. He re-
organized that branch of the service and
served with marked ability until his
health became impaired and he felt that
he needed a change. From headquarters
he was sent to the seventh, or George
town precinct, where much of his police
service was performed.
Under the supervision of Lieut.. Swim
dells." Maj Sylvester wrote, ''the detec-
tive service soon attained reputation for
honesty ;Ald efficiency"
John A. Swindells Is about the last of
the older members of the force. He per-
formed duty under several chiefs. at
times performing the duties of head of
the department and was prominently iden-
titled with Lieut. ely, Capt. Vernon, Lieut..
r. A. Arnold. Capt. j. w. Gessford and
others, all of whom have passed away.
A son-in-law of the retiring official. T. l..
Lake. is a member of the third precinct
bicycle squad.
Promotion for a Captain.
The Retirement of -Insnector SwindellS