SWAT Teams Square Off
Posted: 10/19/2006 6:10:18 PM
A little friendly competition on the rifle range is underway in York County this week. SWAT teams from around the northeast are showing off their skills with some tactical exercises.
Each team is timed and watched in six different drills at the West Shore Sportsman's Club with the winner taking bragging rights and a trip to the world competition.
It’s a little fun, that in the swat business is also training. “It doesn't really exist, training of this caliber where it puts teams head to head in competition and in scenarios they will encounter when they dispatch in their own areas,” says Chief Bernie Dugan, Fairview Twp. Police Department
Areas like, Baltimore, New Jersey, Ohio and Lancaster- all of these teams say they are not only competiting against, but learning from each other. “I think it’s the teamwork and commodore we get when we get together and train and then when we have to get in a potentially dangerous situation when we have to put training to use,” says Kevin Gorman, York County Quick Response Team.
Fairview Township Police Chief Bernie Dugan says special response teams like these are invaluable to a community. “Fairview Township alone has used York County's team three times this year for two barricaded gunman and a warrant service.”
Ironically, most cases do not escalate to gunfire. “Their goal is not to fire shots they have negotiators but they are trained in case they have to take that action.”
The competition wraps up Friday, with a few more drills, and the awards ceremony. The winning team also goes home with prizes, some new equipment for their team to use in real life situations.
