What do you know about SWAT?
On the surface they are a group of officers that come together to train for critical incidents. SWAT is that group of officers that you “read about on the blue sheet “with the PT test tryout. SWAT is the guys that “take a break once a year to go and train.” But what do you really know about SWAT? Why do they have a tryout, and that vacation from work, what is that really all about? Let me guide you through a little local history, and perhaps clear a little fog.
SWAT came from a group of Officers that have come from a tradition over a quarter century old. On the face, I suppose most people see SWAT as a group of guys that respond to situations that have escalated over time after patrol has responded to resolve a particular problem.
It’s a little more than that. Those problems occur during the day, more often at night, even more when it’s cold, really hot or holidays are afoot. Bad things happen when we are least prepared to respond, it’s the nature of evil. When you read the history of harmful events you live the events that others experienced. If it touches you, you find yourself wanting to step into the opportunity to defend against any chance of it repeating itself. SWAT speaks to being prepared. It is a shield against wrongdoing. We train to be ready. Anytime.

It’s not an assignment for everyone, it’s a selection driven from a field of volunteers, motivated officers that are driven by something other than interest.
They are driven by service. It’s corny, but its true. Many teams have grown from a concept that was staffed by a team of less than a dozen operators, to teams that now outfits dozens. Over my 18 plus years assigned to SWAT I have had call-outs that have lasted 19 hours, executed operations at locations from Heavy wood lines to detention facilities. I have stood side by side in freezing rain and searing heat with names that are now legends on this agency. I have also stood in the same pain with names that are not as well known to other officers, but to my brothers in arms, equals none the less.

Hence the selections, The PT exam, the 3 day transfer, the additional training, and the standard requirements that becomes daily requirements. The rapid understanding for those that apply to what they should expect to feel like when they join SWAT. It is what keeps SWAT members from becoming pin wearers. Anyone that has ever tried out can tell you it’s difficult. It requires efforts and actions that define why it’s voluntary, and why you have to do it for higher causes.


SWAT is of course a benefit for the agency. But it is a better definition of who you are and what you stand for. To understand the responsibility of caring for equipment, maintaining physical conditioning and being mentally prepared, will show and define you in the eyes of others. It’s a reality you cannot hide and one that will crush your ego faster than a sledgehammer vs. an egg. The saying there is always someone better, is an everyday reality when you stand next to officers that climb the hill of perfection every time they train. But it’s not for everyone. So why join SWAT? Well because SWAT needs good officers. SWAT needs officers that can accept the challenge that can continue the tradition, and can perform as required when those affected need you. SWAT is one example of excellence our agency possesses. Its one I can speak on and suggest you consider, IF you do the research, understand the history, and volunteer from within.

SWAT is an opportunity for continued growth. It is an opportunity to constantly embrace the values of law enforcement. To save lives, to be the final option, to push yourself and stand for something greater than yourself while respecting your worth. SWAT is a family of ready warriors that train to always be ready for the “Call”. By constantly improving tactical staples such as team movement, firearms disciplines, Close Quarter Combat, physical conditioning and thinking under pressure, we continue to nurture the growth of a tree growing in police work. It recruits with bias from the agency because our lives depend on it. We pay dearly when we fail. So, we prepare for the blur, try to slow it down, to control it. SWAT is simple there’s no fame no glory just dedication.

Dedication through lineage becomes tradition.
SWAT is...:
SWAT is – Sit Wait and Talk
SWAT is – Strong Willed and Tough
SWAT is Sadistic Workouts and Torture
SWAT is – Special Weapons and Tactics
SWAT is – Standing Watch, Always There
They all represent good reasons to join, or excuses to stay away. You have to choose. I hope you choose to find out what it’s about; it might help you see yourself again or better. Thank all of you for keeping my seniority as fresh as the newbies and as skilled as the years I have given. You are truly my Brothers in Arms.