MV Special Response Team being formed

Editor,

In an effort to more safely and effectively handle high-risk situations that are beyond the capabilities of normal uniformed police response, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Flathead Tribal Police, and the Polson Police Department are in the process of forming the Mission Valley Special Response Team.

Some may ask why such a team is needed. The reason is quite simple: Safety. The safety of citizens, officers and suspects is the team's mission.

The goal of the team is to safely resolve dangerous situations such as armed subjects in our schools, workplaces and homes, narcotics warrant service, barricaded subjects, hostage rescue situations and dignitary protection. To safely handle such situations requires intense training and specialized equipment.

The administrations of the participating agencies have worked hard to make this multi-agency tea*m a reality, but the initial cost of equipping the team has become a problem. Budget restraints are preventing the team from providing officers with basic personal protective equipment such as ballistic vests, helmets, protective goggles and communications equipment. It costs approximately $2,500 to equip one team member with personal protective and communications equipment.

The Mission Valley Special Response Team is currently planning several upcoming fundraising events.

The dates and locations of the events will be advertised in local newspapers and on local radio stations.

The team would greatly appreciate your support in these events. Monetary donations for the purchase of protective equipment are tax deductible and are being accepted at the Mission Valley Special Response Team, Lake County Sheriff's Office, 106 Fourth Ave. E., Polson, MT 59860.

Sgt. Dan Duryee

Lake County Sheriff's Office

Polson