|
BradleySheriff.com
|
|
BCSO SWAT TEAM ~ THE BEST OF THE BEST |
|
|
Thursday, 13 August 2009 |
The BCSO Special Weapons And Tactical team (SWAT) is the specially-trained team that is called out when a situation involves hostages, multiple or high-powered weapons, stand-offs with an individual or individuals with a history of violence, when there is a great risk of violence or potential for an active shooter situation, search-and-rescue operations and any other emergency situation where conventional law enforcement may need reinforcement.
The SWAT team has been active in Bradley County for over 20 years and there was a time when team members had to foot the bill for their weapons and equipment. I have worked hard to ensure they receive the funding necessary to minimize risk to themselves and the citizens they’re sworn to protect. Today’s SWAT team is better equipped, better trained and better funded than at any other time in its history.
The current SWAT team consists of 14 deputies, who also perform other daily duties for the BCSO. Drug Unit Det. John Stone is the team’s commander. In addition to their regular training and duties, these deputies must undergo additional training in tactical maneuvers, stealth, securing buildings, firearms, less-lethal alternatives (bean-bags, tasers, tear gas, flash grenades, etc.), and other specialty areas, such as sniper capabilities.
Testing and training requirements for SWAT are stringent and not everyone who applies to the team is accepted. Public safety is first and foremost in the mission of the SWAT team and the men and women who wear the SWAT insignia do so with pride and a commitment to protecting the citizens of this community. We will pursue any method or advantage that will increase the team’s effectiveness while minimizing risk to them and to the law-abiding public.
One of the greatest advantages, in terms of minimizing risk, is the Commando 150 armored personnel carrier (APC) that we acquired during my first year as sheriff. We received the APC ~ which is commonly referred to as the “Tank” ~ as a result of our on-going partnership with the U.S. military. This particular piece of equipment was seized from Manuel Noriega back during the ‘80s by U.S. forces, and acquired by the BCSO at no cost to the Bradley County taxpayer.
The “Tank” is specially equipped for the SWAT team’s use in both hostage and victim rescues in the event of an armed confrontation. Features include bullet-proof windows, a winch, emergency lighting, siren control and radio communication systems, high intensity lights on the front in the event law enforcement needs to light up the night, and “run-flat tires” (in case a shooter thinks they can incapacitate the vehicle by shooting the tires). The “Tank” also provides invaluable cover for SWAT members who need to move closer to a threat or retrieve wounded personnel who need to be moved out of harm’s way.
The risks the BCSO SWAT team faces in the performance of their duties are great. Capt. Jim Ruth, who directs our Judicial Services Division, carries a bullet in his arm to this day from an incident in the mid-90s when he was SWAT commander. Although small and limited in the number of people it can carry, I cannot overstate how important the “Tank” and all other specialty training and equipment is in any situation that requires the SWAT team’s presence.
Currently, the BCSO has been awarded funding through a District III Homeland Security Grant to purchase a SWAT team transportation and deployment vehicle which will, for the first time, allow us to transport all of our team members and equipment together, if needed. This vehicle will also be used to support the District III counter-terrorism initiative of perimeter/containment teams that have been formed for our Homeland Security District.
These teams will be utilized in the event of a major incident or terrorist attack on vital and critical national infrastructure anywhere in our 10-county District III region.
Our SWAT team competed this year with other teams from around the country in the SWAT Team Competition held in South Carolina. Areas of competition included a variety of tactical, shooting and physical contests designed to better enhance training and service. The entire BCSO team performed very well in all areas.
The BCSO SWAT team is an integral part of our commitment to protect and serve. Every time they have been called out, they have responded and performed in an exemplary manner. They have my respect and appreciation for their continued good service.
|
|
|
