The Highlands Police Department recently hired Courtney Moore Swanson who was sworn in July 9. Her father, Officer Tim Moore has been on the department since 2011.
“I had mixed feelings about Courtney becoming a police officer, after all she is one of my little twin girls,” said Moore. “But she is a very kind and caring person, she always sees the good in people and is willing to help in any way. That is a great trait to have when working for the public.”
Courtney Moore Swanson (front) with twin sister Ashley Moore Winkler.
Both Swanson and Moore are part-time officers. HPD has 12 full- and 11 part-time officers. However, the father-daughter duo will never work together.
“Unfortunately Courtney and I will never work the same shift due to the conflict it could cause and we are both fine with that,” said Moore. “I will enjoy watching her learn and grow and as a police officer.”
Prior to joining HPD Swanson worked as a CNA at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home in Hiawasee, Ga. She chose nursing because she wanted to help people. After several years in nursing she transitioned to law enforcement.
“I chose law enforcement because I believe it’s a calling as much as it is a dream,” said Swanson. “This career will give me countless opportunities to be a positive impact on people’s lives as well as helping people and hopefully pointing people in the right direction.”
Swanson graduated from Franklin High School in 2012. She attended the police academy in 2017 at Tri County Community College and is looking forward to her new career choice but knows it will be a challenge. She will soon begin her training at HPD that includes in-car programs, policies and procedures, and patrol techniques.
“As excited as I am, I am also nervous about my new career, one that I worked so hard for,” she said. “It’s a career that can be dangerous as much as it is rewarding.”
Swanson said she her father was a big influence in her decision to become a police officer.
“Growing up I always looked up to my father and wanted to be like him, the kind, humble, caring, ‘never met a stranger,’ kind of person,” she said. “Always making people laugh and never missing an opportunity to help somebody, which I believe is a true definition of a police officer.”
In 1991 Moore was part of a law enforcement unit tasked with assisting other departments and then in 1993 he became a full-time police officer in Rainbow Springs, N.C. and joined HPD in 2011.
“I am honored that Courtney decided to follow me in the field of work that I chose so many years ago,” said Moore. “I am so proud of her.”
Swanson said she is thrilled to be a part of the HPD.
“I’ve gotten to know a lot of the officers over the years attending different events, the whole department is like a family,” she said. “I look forward to working with them.”
Moore shares his daughter’s enthusiasm for HPD.
“Highlands is one of the few places left that you can be proud to be a police officer,” he said. “It’s a place where kids still run up and hug you and the parents say ‘thank you for your service,’ or ‘I’ve got your back.’”
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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