HAVELOCK, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina city is mourning the loss of a police officer who lost his life to cancer complications.

The City of Havelock says 23-year-old Officer Branden Swisher died Tuesday due to cancer complications from leukemia.

An obituary says he lost a short battle with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia at ECU Health Medical Center.

Swisher, of Newport, had just graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training at Carteret Community College in December 2023, according to the obituary.

The city says he was hired by the Havelock Police Department February 7th.

The city posted to social media a video of his escort to Morehead City with people gathered along roadways and a flag raised on the ladder of a city fire truck Wednesday.

Officials say he left a large impact on the Havelock Police Department and the city, citing that he embodied the organization’s values and that “his bright smile, eagerness to learn, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our citizens will always be remembered.”

A memorial service to honor Swisher’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at Munden Funeral Home.