EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Evesham Township Police Department held a wreath laying ceremony Saturday morning in honor of Lieutenant Walter Szwajkowski, who was killed in the line of duty in 1976 while serving with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Lt. Szwajkowski is the grandfather of current Evesham Township Officer Carley Pizzigoni (Szwajkowski).
The ceremony was held to commemorate his sacrifice and recognize his family’s continued legacy of public service.
Officer Pizzigoni’s father, Walter Szwajkowski, also attended the event. He currently serves the department as a volunteer with the VIPS—Volunteer in Police Services—program.
Remembering a life of service
According to police, Lt. Szwajkowski was attending mass when he confronted a man armed with a gun who was threatening several people outside a church in 1976.
The gunman opened fire, fatally wounding the lieutenant, who managed to return fire and stop the threat before succumbing to his injuries.
Lt. Szwajkowski served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 22 years and was survived by his wife and two children.
Honoring sacrifice across generations
Evesham Township Police said the ceremony serves as a reminder of the courage and dedication shown by law enforcement officers past and present.
Officials shared photos and reflections from the event, emphasizing that Lt. Szwajkowski’s memory continues to inspire those who serve today.
The department closed its message with a tribute familiar to officers and their families alike: gone, but not forgotten.