Gibson County deputies form special response team
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GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — From drug arrests to search warrants officers put themselves in high risk situations on a daily basis. That’s why a small group of Gibson County deputies are forming a new group to protect themselves and their community. “It’s something that patrol doesn’t handle everyday – barricaded suspects, running drug warrants, arrest warrants and high risk search warrants,” Inv. Brad Oliver with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office said. It’s all part of the sheriff’s office new special response team, consisting of 10 deputies who are specially trained. “It’s just a different type of officer, a different type of mindset,” Inv. Oliver said. “Changing from patrol to tactical.” From active shooters to barricaded suspects these deputies are training for it. “A lot of these people we’re dealing with are multiple time offenders and convicted felons that may not want to go back to jail,” Sheriff Paul Thomas said. “They may do whatever they have to do to stay out of jail.” They’re also using special equipment to get things done. “If they use tear gas or smoke bombs or even encounter meth labs, they’re in danger,” Gibson County Fire Chief Bryan Cathey said. That’s why Chief Cathey and his department are allowing the new SRT team to use their breathing apparatus to train on and use during high-risk situations. “We pool our resources which saves the county money,” Chief Cathey said. “It makes all of us a stronger better agency.” Other local agencies around West Tennessee already have SRT teams but Sheriff Thomas said it was time to start their own. “We’re large enough, we shouldn’t be dependent on these other departments to handle our job for us,” Sheriff Thomas said. Although these dangerous situations may not happen every day these deputies will be ready when they do. “It’s just about giving the citizens of this county the best service and protection they need and deserve,” Oliver said. Milan, Trenton, and Humboldt also have active SRT teams. The Gibson County Fire Department is putting all of their equipment at the Sheriff’s Office’s disposal.
