Paul Swanson’s roots in Erlanger started when he became a resident in 1956. Three years later, Paul was voted into office as an Erlanger Trustee. He served fourteen years, and 5 of those years, he also served as an Erlanger Police Commissioner. Paul served sixteen years as Erlanger’s representative on the Kenton County Planning Commission
and thirty years as an Erlanger Council member.

During Paul’s council member service to Erlanger, he had a hand in specifications and determining the equipment for a fire pumper. The fire pumper would be custom built to suit the needs of the Volunteer Fire Department. As a former council member, Paul spoke at the Erlanger Baptist Church for Erlanger’s Centennial celebration. He told stories about the past fifty years of Erlanger. Paul continued to serve Erlanger by volunteering at the Erlanger Methodist Church where he was a member.

Paul retired in 1981 as a US Army Colonel. His military banner, sponsored by his family, flew proudly in Erlanger for 3 years. He was described as an honorable man with a great sense of humor.

Sadly, Paul passed away on September 22, 2020. His name, his memory, and his service to the residents of Erlanger, as well as his country, will always be remembered.

Written by Rachael LaPorte, Administration Department