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SWAT Team Demolishes House While Training

The South Metro Area SWAT Team recently completed training on barricaded suspects with the help of BPD’s Special Investigations Unit.

The police department would like to thank Immanuel Lutheran Church at 104 Galvin Road North for donating a piece of its property for the training day. A house on the church property, which was set for demolition, was used predominantly during the training. The SWAT officers were involved in scenarios involving drug transactions and warrant services. SWAT Team member Detective Simones observed, "when we finished there were few doors and windows left in tact and the front of the house was completely removed." Dealing with fortified and barricaded individuals is a challenge for the team and the use of the house provided realistic and valuable training.

The team trains a minimum of 96 hours per year. It is made up of officers from Bellevue, LaVista, Papillion, Plattsmouth and Ralston. To be a SWAT member, an officer must have a minimum of 3 years on the job, be highly skilled in firearms proficiency, be dependable and highly disciplined. S/he must also participate in the department’s wellness program, meet strict physical fitness guidelines and pass a psychological evaluation tailored for SWAT personnel.

Photos are first: SWAT Team forces entry, and second: Team members Detective Simones and Officer Gray discuss an upcoming scenario.