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CCPD second in SWAT competition

3 min read

The Cape Coral Police Depart-ment earned high honors this weekend at a regional competition.

Eight tactical officers from the SWAT team took part in the 2014 “Region 6” SWAT Competition on Saturday at Naples Sports Park in Collier County. The one-day event featured a 3 -mile course geared around an eco-run/mud-run. The 2 -hour course also included high-risk scenarios that were scored.

“It’s an annual competition,” Capt. Mike Torregrossa, the CCPD’s SWAT commander, said.

He explained that the department has participated in the competition for the last seven years.

“Over the last seven years, we have never finished less than third place,” Torregrossa said.

This year, the Cape team came in second place. It took third place last year and first the year before.

Eleven teams participated in this year’s competition, including the Fort Myers Police Department, Naples Police Department, Orlando Police Department, Sarasota Police Department, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Two teams made up of members of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office took part.

The final team is formed by pulling one member from each of the participating agencies.

“So, one person from each team will comprise a joint team,” he said. “It forces us to work hand-in-hand with the other agencies and creates a ice cohesiveness.”

This year’s tactical scenarios included an amphibious assault, hostage rescue, vehicle take-down/hostage rescue, search warrant, officer-down and land navigation course.

“So, you do that sporadically through the course,” Torregrossa said.

The course culminated in a grueling obstacle course.

“What they’re trying to do is physically tax you,” he said.

The members have to work as a team to complete the scenarios and obstacle course.

“I give these guys so much credit because they train throughout the year,” Torregrossa said. “But a lot of what they do is on their own time.”

“We’re incredibly proud of them,” he added.

The CCPD team’s leader, Sgt. Carlos Mena, called the combined effort the toughest part.

“I think the entire competition – putting them all together – all the stress and exhaustion is what makes it so difficult,” he said.

Torregrossa noted that the scenarios change from year to year to keep it fresh.

“The thing about the competition is it’s inevitable you’re going to be excited and somewhat nervous,” he said. “It comes very close to some of the stresses you’re going to deal with (on the job.”

Torregrossa explained that the competition keeps the team in top form physically and mentally.

“The biggest benefit for us is that we try to anticipate and train for the worst-case scenarios,” he said.

Torregrossa pointed out that it is also a chance to network with and assess nearby agencies.

“By doing this, not only do we have the liaison and networking with the personnel, we can assess each other’s operations and readiness,” he said.

This year’s CCPD team included Officer Adam Masion, Officer John Montgomery, Officer Juan Munoz-Hoys, Officer Cristian Munoz-Luna, Officer Jeremy Niland, Officer Stephen Scrobe and Detective Michael Toleman. Officer Jeffrey Livingston was picked to take part on the joint team.