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Tony Roswarski
Lafayette Roots
Run Deep
Born and raised in the heart of Lafayette, Indiana, Tony Roswarski has been putting people first since he learned about service as a young Boy Scout. People came first throughout his 20-year career on the Lafayette Police Force, in his four years as a member of the Lafayette City Council and since he became Lafayette’s mayor in 2004. |
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Childhood Years in Lafayette
Born June 15, 1960, to Robert and Jane Roswarski, Tony grew up on the city’s north side. He attended Vinton, Sunnyside and Jefferson High schools. Besides Boy Scouts, he played baseball and football as a youngster. In high school he was active in J Club and participated two years in track and football, graduating from Lafayette Jeff in 1978.
Criminal Justice Education, 22-Year Career
With an eye on a service career, he enrolled at Ball State University, where he studied criminal justice from 1978 to 1981. He then served as a patrol officer for the Houston Police Department from 1981 to 1983, soon returning home and joining the Lafayette Police Department.
From 1983 to 2004, Roswarski held posts of increasing responsibility. He began as patrol officer, held various detective division assignments, was promoted to sergeant, then lieutenant and then captain. His law enforcement career included helping launch and serving as first coordinator of the D.A.R.E. program in 1995; serving in the tactical intervention platoon, SWAT Team Commander, and helping schools implement security measures and crisis preparedness plans.
| Among his law enforcement awards and recognitions: |
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• Bronze Medal for Hostage Situation Rescue, 1984 |
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• Officer of the Year co-nominee, 1987 |
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• Letter of Commendation for Administering Lifesaving Measures, 1992, 1993 |
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• Investigator of the Year, 1992 |
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• Letter of Commendation for Activities of the Fraternal Order of Police, 1994 |
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• Letter of Commendation for S.W.A.T. Team Leadership, 1999 |
Lafayette City Council Service
In 1999, Roswarski was elected to represent the Sixth District on the Lafayette City Council, a post he held until he began serving as mayor in 2004.
On the council, he took leadership in improving the city’s neighborhoods and assisted in organizing three neighborhood associations—Monon, St. Lawrence/McAllister and Vinton. He also worked to attract living-wage jobs with benefits and high-tech businesses to the community, and to diversity Lafayette’s economic base.
Mayor, City of Lafayette
In 2003, Roswarski was elected Mayor of Lafayette, taking office in January 2004. Under his leadership the city has achieved numerous milestones in services, community development, economic development, fiscal management, infrastructure improvements, and parks and recreation.
Family
Roswarski is married to
Tonya Chaney Roswarski (pictured above).
He is the father of four children:
Brooke, Michael, Alanna and Sarah (pictured above), and grandfather of Olivia. |
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(top photo on right;
son Mike, his wife Fallon
and daughter Olivia)
(bottom picture on right;
daughter Brooke and her husband Dan) |
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Personal Recognitions
Roswarski’s personal recognitions include receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Joseph Kernan in 2004 and being inducted in the Jefferson High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2006.
Civic Service/Membership
Roswarski has continuously answered the call to serve, build consensus and work for Lafayette’s advancement.
| His civic service has included: |
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Fraternal Order of Police, President for six years |
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Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Executive Committee, Legislative Committee |
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Indiana Conference of Mayors, Member |
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Indiana School of Medicine at Purdue, Community Advisory Board Member |
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Lafayette-West Lafayette Development Corp., Board Member |
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National League of Cities, Member and Cities Public Safety Committee |
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North Central Mayor’s Roundtable, Member |
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1977 Police and Fire Pension Advisory Board, 2004 to 2006 |
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Project Lead 4-H, Consultant |
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Purdue University Community Relations Advisory Committee |
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Purdue University School of Liberal Arts, Community Advisory Board Member |
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Purdue University, Organizational Leadership, Guest Lecturer |
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Tippecanoe County Child Protection Team, Member |
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Tippecanoe County Council on the Prevention of Child Abuse, Founding Board Member |
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Vice President of the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation |
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Vice President of the Hoosier Heartland Industrial Corridor |
Personal Service/Membership
Throughout the years, Roswarski also has participated in numerous community and education efforts, including service to these organizations:
American Red Cross, Board Member
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Bowl for Kids Sake Steering Committee Member
Cary Home, Advisory Board Member
Central Catholic 21st Century Club
Community and Family Resource Center, Board Member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Golden Broncho Club, Board Member
Hanna Community Center, Board Member
Jefferson High School Booster Club
Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree
Mental Health Association of Tippecanoe County, Board Member
Moose Lodge
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
St. Lawrence Elementary School, Volunteer Girls’ Basketball Coach
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