SWAT Round-Up, a week-long training and competition conference for special operations teams, wrapped in December 2008 in Orlando, Fla. The conference drew more than 60 national and international teams, and featured seminars and training presented by renowned experts. SWAT teams had the opportunity to test their mettle through five days of timed and judged competition. Team competition events included blind hostage rescues in which participants were not briefed on the event s obstacles beforehand and spectators were barred; the Pritcher Scramble, which required team members to work together to maneuver through various challenges; and an officer rescue event in which teams boarded a watercraft in a canal and engaged targets, eventually rescuing a downed officer in a simulated chemical environment.
Individual law enforcement officers also competed in several optional events, including Super SWAT Cop, Super Sniper and the Florida SWAT Association Individual Firearms Challenge.
The conference concluded with a dinner banquet and closing ceremony, and thousands of dollars in gear and firearms were awarded to the winners. Florida s Orange County Sheriff s Office Stars team was announced as the No. 1 Overall Champion Team, and each member received a fully outfitted and engraved Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel Tactical rifle from Florida Bullet Inc.
Teams and individuals who participated reveled in the opportunity to train, network and practice their skills. They competed against themselves, more than against others, and walked away with pride and a renewed sense of community.
