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focus SWAT Round-Up International: A legacy event that must live on By Mike Foreman ince its origin in 1982, SWAT Round-Up has evolved into the SWAT Round-Up History SInternational (SRI) and has become arguably the greatest tactical event in the world, one which has made and continues to make a difference in our lives. As we In 1982, Lieutenant Edward “Buffy” approach the 30th anniversary of the Round-Up, it is astonishing and inspiring to Cullinan of the Orlando Depart- note that over 115,000 people have come to compete and witness world-class ath- ment had a vision of bringing Central letes, see the latest in technology and equipment, and most importantly, learn from Florida SWAT teams together to train, share ideas and compete in a friendly incidents that have taken lives, saved lives or protected a community from a cata- environment that would build lasting strophic incident. SWAT teams exist for one reason: to save lives. SWAT Round-Up relationships. The first SWAT Round- International challenges these teams to be the best. Up was held in the fall of 1982 at the Kissimmee Police Department Range, a modest facility south of the Kissimmee onto the OCSO range wants to leave Hathcock was brought from Virginia Regional Airport in Osceola County. as world champion, but the beauti- Beach to be our honorary judge. In It was not about the venue, but Buffy’s ful thing is that so much more than a 1989, our event was in its seventh year dream to bring all SWAT teams togeth- trophy can be gained at the event. and growing in popularity and esteem. er. Eight SWAT teams competed in the In the early years, we experienced After watching the young SWAT studs first SWAT Round-Up, which was won “growing pains” with flashbangs in show off their many talents at the hotel by Orlando Police Department SWAT. the pool, chemical agents in the hotel throughout the evening, “White Feather” We owe the Kissimmee Police Depart- rooms, rappelling from the balcony, asked to address the SRI participants. ment special thanks for sharing Buffy’s and enough machismo to last a life- Carlos delivered a well-deserved dress- vision and for spearheading a long-last- time. We learned we were building ing-down to all, and the message was ing tradition of local agency support for a great event and it could only be clear: To be a true warrior you must act the competition. The SWAT Round-Up remembered as such if we delivered a as one. He told us we must behave pro- was then moved to the Orange County polished, well-structured product and fessionally, ethically, and as an upstand- ’s Office Range where it has been insured all attendees acted in a profes- ing member of the “one percent” at all held ever since. sional manner at all times. times, on or off-duty. Over the past 30 years we have The comments of one man marked The silence was notable. His remarks learned from teams and individuals that a turning point in the SWAT Round-Up had hit home. We knew, but Carlos had have contributed to lifesaving incidents, legacy. Legendary Marine Carlos reminded us, that SWAT officers are tragic outcomes, public relations night- judged each day. We have an obligation mares and logistical debacles. Injuries to market ourselves and the program we have been prevented and lives saved as represent among fellow officers and the a result of these incidents and lessons Have no doubt about it, every community we serve. Our actions and learned being shared. This is what red-blooded SWAT officer decisions will influence others, com- makes the SRI different from any other mand staff and supervisors included. event of its kind. It is not just about who walks onto the OCSO We learned we were building a great competing, it is about the training, range wants to leave as world event but it would only be remembered the debriefs, equipment and technol- champion, but the beautiful as such if we delivered a refined product ogy reviews, and most importantly, thing is that so much more and ensured all attendees represented the network that has been built and their career and SWAT Round-Up in relationships that have lasted over the than a trophy can be gained a professional manner. Carlos left us years. Have no doubt about it, every at the event. much in his passing; his words spoken red-blooded SWAT officer who walks in 1989 should never be forgotten.

102 The Tactical Edge / fall 2012 In 1997, “60 Minutes” anchor Diane Mogadishu, Somalia; Columbine High Miller, Mark Rominger and Joe Sawyer arrived at the SRI as a reporter School; School House Hostage Rescue Martel) for the story, “The Para- in ; Beslan, Russia; the Fight • Lakeland Police Department of Police.” Ms. Sawyer found only Against Terrorism, and countless other (Larry Giddens and Ruben Garcia) highly trained and highly motivated barricaded subjects, high-risk warrant • Champaign Police Department SWAT officers who were dedicated service, and hostage rescue incidents (John Gnagey) professionals. Lakeland Police Sergeant faced by law enforcement everywhere. • (Keith Runk) Larry Giddens stepped up to be in- Some of the individuals who must be • Coral Gables Police Department terviewed on camera and Ms. Sawyer mentioned for their contributions to the (Frank Rawley and William Burrows) discovered, through his guidance and formation and continuance of SWAT • -Dade Police Department with time spent observing, only well- and SWAT Round-Up include Daryl (Ed Canvena) trained, knowledgeable operators who Gates, Ron McCarthy, John Kolman, • Ogden Police Department (Randy contradicted the stereotype of the overly Carlos Hathcock, Kevin Beary, John Watt) aggressive shooting machine. Sergeant Bolle, Eric Viehman, Emmett “Butch” • Orlando Police Department Giddens is another example of the cali- Hummel, and many more. (Frank Repass, Jeff O’Dell and ber of personnel that you see at the SRI. Paul Rooney) While some have voiced concerns • Orange County Sheriff’s Office over the strict safety rules and pro- (Eric Viehman, Emmett Hummel, cedures that are enforced during the Tom Stroup, Calvin Wacker and competition, they are there to guarantee Tom Foster) a safe event for all. It will always be • and so many others who have safety first! Tremendous effort is put contributed in countless ways. forth to ensure that the competition is judged fairly and consistently. All the Throughout the past decade, a small judges are volunteers who come from group of Orlando PD officers and Flor- around the world to offer their services ida SWAT Association members have and be a part of this great event. There carried the torch that was lit by retired are many dedicated souls who have Captain Buffy Cullinan. Dave Arnott, served for nearly two decades. Each Shawn Hayden, Jim Marchione and year, too, new LE officers volunteer to Tim Stanley have proudly stood as rep- be part of the support staff, and every resentatives of SRI, carrying the message one of them makes the SRI possible. to the NTOA conference and every state From Chief to trailblaz- Several members of the legendary SWAT team from the Police SWAT association. With the energetic ers like Ron McCarthy, the standard for assistance of Dave Arnott, the Florida SWAT has been set high and the SRI has Department have shared their commit- SWAT Association has taken on a bigger been a great contributor to the level of ment to excellence to help others train in role and will play an integral part in the excellence achieved by many. We must many areas. It is this type of interaction future of the SRI. The SRI and Florida continue to provide this legacy event for that makes the SRI great and keeps our SWAT Association make it possible for teams and individuals to gather so the mission on the right track. We are forev- many teams to represent their state and new warriors can learn from the veter- er grateful to Mike Odle, Ernie Haleck, attend by providing financial assistance. ans and continue the tradition of provid- Lee McMillian, George Ryan and other Most of these teams earn this right by ing the finest that SWAT has to offer. members of the LAPD Metro-Division D Platoon for their contribution to SRI and winning state and regional events which tactical teams worldwide. Other agencies put them in the spotlight at the “big Contributors and teams who have contributed their show” every November. Those who have contributed over skills, teaching and guidance over the To me there is one lesson that is the past 30 years include the founders years include: repeated year after year. Excellence can of SWAT from the late 1960s, who • SWAT be, and is, demonstrated by teams of participated in history-making events (Bob Owens, Steve Claggett and all agency sizes. There are many that like the SLA in Los Angeles; Robert Cockriel) shine from year to year, but there is one WACO Branch Davidian Compound; • Florida Department of Law that always stands out: Lakeland (FL) ; BlackHawk Down in Enforcement (Dale Wise, Dan Police Department SWAT. The City of

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The Pricher Scramble Lakeland has a police department with Special thanks go out to the agencies ergeant Gary S. Pricher, a 220 personnel and a 30-man part-time that form the SRI committee: Orange STampa Police Department SWAT team. What makes the Lakeland County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police SWAT team member, was return- team different is that throughout two Department, Maitland Police Depart- ing home after competing in decades they have demonstrated a level ment, Winter Department SWAT Round-Up on the evening of commitment and dedication to their and the Institute at of November 4, 1983. When he profession that few can match. They Valencia State College. Each agency has stopped with fellow team mem- have proved that it is not the size of the provided numerous officers and depu- department or budget that determines bers to assist stranded bus pas- ties who have contributed hundreds of greatness; it is the men and women sengers on Interstate 4, a truck hours to the SRI. I wish I could list all and those who lead them that drives driven by a drunk driver swerved the names because each one deserves their success. They have achieved this off the road and hit Sergeant acknowledgment for a job well done. Pricher, who died at the scene. through a proven selection, retention, Retired OCSO Chief Eric Viehman was Sergeant Pricher was a training and mentoring program. Sus- taining this level of excellence for nearly the face of OCSO SWAT during the warrior and the SRI named one early years of the SRI and thereafter for of the events in his honor. The 30 years is beyond admirable, and an inspiration to teams everywhere. Larry two decades. Eric led by example and Pricher Scramble has remained Giddens, Mike Chin and Reuben Gar- was one of the finest SWAT command- one of the five core team events cia are just a few of the many officers ers to ever lead an agency. He made it during the competition. from the team who have been standouts his mission to ensure that the SRI never over the years. lost sight of the core mission to serve the tactical community. Over the past 16 years, one per- son behind the scenes who has made sure the SRI runs smoothly is Beverly Thornton. Beverly is an executive as- sistant with OCSO and she has been involved in everything from registra- tion to the annual awards dinner throughout the years. Many moving parts of the event flow flawlessly due to her untiring efforts. Beverly is the true ambassador of SRI. The vendor show plays an impor- tant role in the success of the SRI. We sincerely appreciate the 120 annual vendors who sponsor and support the SRI, sharing the latest in equip- ment and the prizes that are provided. One sponsor, Florida Bullet and the Falone family, have made enormous financial contributions to the event over the past 20 years. The family has been unwavering in their dedication to supporting law enforcement, and they have helped make this all possible in the most amazing fashion. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Falones for their generosity. / Tactical Edge Ad – Fall, 2012 Issue

104 The Tactical EdgeM / fall 2012 Y M Y C K C K