Special Response Team In the spring of 1994, then-Sheriff Jerry Burrell identified the need to create a unit from a pool of his deputies to form what has become known as the S.R.T. (Special Response Team) A smaller, informal entry team had existed to assist the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF) in drug raids. Then, on a cold winter night just before Christmas of 1993, a multiple bombing incident involving two residences in Cattaraugus County and several others throughout the state spurred the Sheriff to create a specially trained unit to respond to high-risk incidents. Applicants to the team were screened for prior military experience, three years experience on the department, and any specialized training that could be used on the team. After a battery of psychological and physical fitness testing, the team was given the go-ahead to begin training. Members of the SRT were chosen from the road patrol, court security, detectives, drug task force and jail, as well as special deputies working the in the department. Currently, the SRT is under the administration of Sheriff Ernest Dustman. The SRT has traveled to Fort Drum, New York to attend operation Tri-Star and train with special response teams from the FBI, Border Patrol, US Army, New York State Police, and other large and small departments from across New York State. In September 1995, the team traveled on a New York Air National Guard C-130 aircraft to Camp Swift in Texas to participate in Law Enforcement Interdiction of Narcotics (LION) presented by a unit of Reserve Air Force security forces. The team has trained and become proficient in various tactical operations to include: building entry and clearing, bus assaults, car assaults, rappelling, narcotics raids, hostage negotiations and jail assaults. Shooting excellence is rigorously stressed and members receive weapons training to an extent greater than officers performing routine assignments do. The SRT has coordinated their training with the Olean, NY Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) on several occasions, culminating in September 1998, then the two teams jointly hosted a week-long training conference known as Joint Response Operations, with several Western New York tactical teams participating. It is planned that the two teams will continue hosting this program on an annual basis. The team is composed of 19 members under the leadership of the Team Commander, Undersheriff Dennis John; Two training officers who are also assigned as TOC Officers; Nine additional entry team members; one 3-man precision rifle team; Two emergency medical technicians; and Two hostage negotiators. The team is structured so that it could be divided into two separate units should the need arise at a lengthy situation. If a situation was so severe the SRT could join with the Olean Police Department ERT to make up a formidable force. The SRT is also available to the many small municipal departments in the county as well as to neighboring county’s response teams. The SRT has extensively trained with tactical teams from Chautauqua, Allegany and Wyoming Counties and the City of Jamestown. The goals of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team:
The SRT is activated at the Sheriff’s discretion, whatever the situation or assignment, and is another tool used by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office to offer the best in crime fighting to it’s residents and visitors. |