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Sunday's Child - Nikolas
Family Receives Community Support for Chief of Police's Son After Major Crash 7/2/12
jsamp@CBS7.com
CBS 7 News
July 3, 2012
Wink, TX - An officer’s support goes beyond the badge.
Law enforcement and the community are pulling through for the Wink Chief of Police's son as he remains in the hospital with life threatening injuries.
His family says the support is overwhelming.
Last week Sheriff Keely of Winkler County was dispatched to an 18-wheeler rollover on highway 18, just four miles from Monahans.
In the truck was 22-year-old Justin Swanson, son of Wink Chief of Police, James Swanson. Justin received multiple brain injuries.
“I’ve known Justin since he was four years old,” said Keely, of coarse I watched him grow up, play football in high school, which he was an exceptional player.”
He says Justin was born and raised in Wink. His mother is a dispatcher for the Kermit Police Dept. Last Wednesday afternoon she unknowingly dispatched EMS out to her own son's crash.
“I walked around the vehicle looking for other victims,” Keely said, “When I came around the front I saw Justin’s face… I wasn't ready for that.”
Since then the Winkler County community has come together from bringing food and setting up prayer groups to fundraising for his family.
“Community support is large in Wink, Texas,” said family friend Trinity Walker.
She says the family keeps the town updated via Facebook, as they pray for his recovery.
“Everybody knows each other and they are willing to give up their time and money to support whomever is in need,” Walker said.
Swanson remains in stable condition in Medical Center Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit.
The company Swanson works for (Torqued-Up) has shown support. The CEO recently flew from Denver to visit their employee.
Swanson is also in the Air Force where he spent two and a half years serving over seas.
His wife, Keri Swanson says they moved from the base in New Mexico to Kermit, TX in March. They have two children.
The crash investigation by the Department of Public Safety continues.
“This kid is a warrior,” Keely said, “A fighter, he's from the military with great physical condition he's going to make it.”
Here’s how you can help:
Justin Swanson
Southwest Bank Wink, TX
Routing # 112322508
Account# 1063197