Hundreds Line Street For Swanson Funeral Procession

Oct 18, 2023 07:16PM ● By Jeanne Fratello

A police procession turns onto Manhattan Beach Blvd. on Wednesday morning. Photo credit: Pete Halvorsen.

Manhattan Beach community members and other supporters lined the streets on Wednesday morning to honor the MBPD procession to Chad Swanson's funeral.

A long line of vehicles worked its way along Manhattan Beach Blvd. from the police station up to Aviation Blvd., as observers solemnly waved American flags. The procession included the Swanson family; police on motorcycles and in police vehicles; firefighters; and city representatives in two large buses.

(Photo credit: Pete Halvorsen)

"It was stunning and touching," said Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro Tem Joe Franklin, who rode in the procession to the funeral. "You could feel the love and respect."

At the intersection of Ardmore and Manhattan Beach Blvd., a large crowd gathered to greet the procession as the vehicles emerged from the police station.

Students also took time out of the school day to recognize the fallen officer. At Pacific Ave., American Martyrs School students stood with two large blue banners.

(Photo credit: Joe Franklin)

And at Pacific Elementary, students stood pressed up against the fence holding blue hearts and waving American flags.

(Photo credit: Joe Franklin)

The service was held at 11:00 a.m. at SeaCoast Grace Church in Cypress, CA.

Swanson, an MBPD motorcycle officer, was killed in an multi-vehicle accident on the 405 in the early morning hours of October 4. A 13-year veteran of the force, he was married with three children, ages 4, 2, and 10 months old. Swanson was also a survivor of the Route 91 music festival shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. Although wounded during the shooting, he helped bring people to safety and assisted in first aid to others who were wounded.

At a vigil last week that drew hundreds of mourners, Swanson was remembered by fellow officers as a larger-than-life personality, a devoted husband and father, and a beloved colleague.

A fund to support the Swanson family has been established here.

See additional photos below.

Chad Swanson Funeral Procession [14 Images] Click Any Image To Expand