When critical events occur that require activating our SWAT Team, an essential element of that entire operation is the deployment of snipers around the target location. Snipers provide cover and protection for entry teams and other personnel involved in tactical operations within the inner perimeter. They also afford us the opportunity to neutralize a threat, such as a hostage taker or a barricaded subject shooting at officers.
Our SWAT Commanders rely on our sniper team knowing these officers can make a precision shot from a long distance should they be called upon to do so. We consider our snipers to be among the best around - and that was proven during the Florida SWAT Association's annual sniper competition last week.
Two of our snipers participating in the competition, Sgt. Chad Mumbauer and Det. Bob Bernhardt, placed first in the team event and easily separated themselves from the rest of the pack. The competition included six different tactical events, and our team took first place in three of the six separate challenges and second in two more.
The sniper's role is to wait, sometimes for hours on end in the worst possible environmental conditions, providing protection to those exposed to danger. The job is stressful, requires a great deal of patience and restraint, and demands the highest degree of professionalism. We are so proud of our snipers and congratulate these two for their outstanding performance in the heat of competition.
- Asst Chief Bill LePere
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