Swanzey N.H. Police Department

08/26/2026

Training Announcement

Hello everyone—today at Brown Field we will have a heavy law enforcement presence as Northeast K9 conducts training. These are working dogs, and their training will take place in and around Brown Field.

Please keep away from the training area to give the handlers and dogs the space they need to work safely.

And yes… I know it’s tempting but the handlers said you can’t pet the dogs. We are just disappointed as you.

Thank you for your cooperation!

07/29/2026

The members of the Swanzey Police Department send their condolences to the Nelson family. Lt. Nelson dedicated 46 years to serving the people of Cheshire County. He continued his passion for law enforcement and helped shape the next generation of New Hampshire Law Enforcement at the NH Police Standards and Training. Through his time, he had a massive impact on training new police officers through his compassion. Lt. Nelson was an exceptional mentor and a genuinely great man.

Rest in peace, Lt. Nelson.

It is with profound sadness that New Hampshire Police Standards and Training announces the passing of Lieutenant Earl Nelson, a cherished member of our organization and a respected leader in New Hampshire law enforcement.

Lt. Nelson dedicated 46 years to serving the people of New Hampshire with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a police officer with the Keene Police Department, a deputy sheriff with the Cheshire County Sheriff's Office, and as police chief for the Towns of Roxbury, Dublin, Chesterfield, Lyndeborough, and Marlborough.

Since joining New Hampshire Police Standards and Training in 2005, Lt. Nelson faithfully served as a Training Specialist and Commandant of the Part-Time Police Academy. In this role, he helped shape the next generation of law enforcement officers, providing mentorship, guidance, and leadership that left a lasting impact on countless recruits and colleagues alike.

Earl was the consummate professional—a trusted teammate, an exceptional mentor, and a genuinely kind and compassionate man. His dedication to the law enforcement profession and to the mission of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council strengthened our organization and enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

His legacy will live on through the officers he trained, the communities he served, and the example he set through a lifetime of honorable service.

The members of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, along with our entire staff, extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Lt. Nelson's family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

We are grateful for Earl's extraordinary service, and he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

07/21/2026

On July 15, 2026, at the Town of Swanzey Selectboard meeting. Chief Joseph Gonsalves presented Officer Colby Zilinski with a Chief’s Citation for his actions for an incident at the Wilson Pond boat ramp.

On June 14, 2026, Cheshire County Dispatch advised Ofc. Zilinski of a drowning in progress at the Wilson Pond boat ramp. Ofc. Zilinski arrived on scene and immediately entered the water without hesitation to locate the victim.

After multiple attempts, Ofc. Zilinski was able to locate the victim at the bottom of the pond near the dam. He was able to bring the victim to the surface and immediately started CPR. Ofc. Zilinski along with other Emergency Medical Technicians began life saving efforts.

Ofc. Zilinski is awarded the Police Chief’s Citation for his quick actions demonstrates a high level of professionalism and reflects positively upon himself, the Swanzey Police Department and the profession of law enforcement. Ofc. Zilinski is a five year veteran of the Swanzey Police Department and is a valuable member of the Department.

07/18/2026

Swanzey Old Home Day Parade 

06/23/2026

The Swanzey Police Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at the Dollar General parking lot earlier today. This crash involved a pedestrian who was struck and suffered minor injuries. The vehicle involved left the scene, pulled onto West Swanzey Road, and travelled south. If you witnessed the crash, please contact Sgt. Nicholas Paquin at 603-355-2000.

06/20/2026

Notice: Matthews Road is open. Please observe the 30 mph speed limit and drive with caution as you would in your neighborhood.

06/02/2026

Attention Swanzey residents; we are pleased to announce that the bicycle in question has been recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

05/07/2026

Swanzey Residents,

We have received multiple calls on this scam as well. If you any questions please feel free to contact an officer at 603-355-2000.

We have received several calls and walk in complaints today about a text message being received advising the recipients that they are being subpoenaed to the Hillsborough Court. We would like to warn you that this appears to be a scam. The court system does not send out subpoenas via text. If you were subpoenaed to court it would be delivered by a law enforcement officer or the US mail. If you have any doubts you can reach the Hillsborough Court at 855-212-1234