Charles D. Swank was born on May 10, 1983, to the late Lee Swank and Pamela Swank of Bellville, Ohio. Charles was dedicated to living a life of service to his family, community, and county. On 9/11/2001, as a senior in high school, Charles made the decision to join the U.S. Army. After graduation in 2002, he started his military service and served four years as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He did tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. While in Iraq, he earned a Bronze Star with “V” device for valor after helping a wounded comrade in battle. After completing his time in the military in 2006, he began his education to become a career firefighter and paramedic.

Charles grew up in the fire service and knew from a young age that it would be his passion. His father was a fireman and passed away in a similar manner in 2002. Lee Swank is also recognized at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Charles spent 15 years as a firefighter, serving on volunteer and full-time departments. At the time of his death, he was working full-time at Washington Township in Dublin, Ohio.

Charles left behind his wife of 18 years, Alaina, and their five children, Jaxon (17), Kasey (16), Haylee (15), Trey (11), and Troy (11). He was a devoted husband and father who spent his free time coaching every team of his children’s that he possibly could. He most recently coached Little League football and baseball and was also coaching his oldest boys in baseball at his alma mater, Clear Fork High School.

If not at a sporting event, Charles could be found helping at the local American Legion or riding his Harley. Charles was the proud owner of a 2017 Harley-Davidson that was gifted to him after winning a contest through Adam Sandoval’s MISSION: THANK YOU.

Charles was dearly loved by his wife and a hero to his daughter and four sons. The hole left behind to his family, friends, and community will never be filled. He will be forever missed.