Patch Legacy

Swansea Police Department Patch

Hand drawn by Former Bethalto Sgt. Tim Minnick

Established on February 4, 2013

The bald eagle perched on the rock represents power, strength, determination, and protection. Its demeanor is in a constant state of vigilance. The rock has two dates on it, 1818 and 1868, which refers to the year Illinois became a state and the year the seal was redesigned respectively.

The bald eagle is embracing the shield in a guarded manner placing added emphasis on its importance. The red, white, and blue shield has thirteen stripes and thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies of the United States of America.

The bald eagle is holding a red banner in its beak, which reads “State Sovereignty, National Union”, which is a symbol of the issues confronted during the Civil War.

The seal of the state of Illinois is placed in front of the shield, representing the protective nature and service of law enforcement.

The sword is a symbol of protection, honor, and justice, all of which are core values of law enforcement.

The gold banner, which reads “Swansea Est. 1886” represents the year in which 35 area residents petitioned the county government in order to form their own community, which was to be named “New Swansea”.

The olive branch leaves on the outer edges of the patch are a symbol of peace.