The SRT team is now comprised of Sheriff James Hoskins, seven Wetzel County Sheriff’s officers, four New Martinsville Police Department officers, one Sistersville police officer, and one EMS member. Together they form a group of specially trained specialists who give of their time, often buy much of their own equipment, and whose purpose is to save lives in an emergency. The team may be activated during critical incidents such as an armed hostage situation, a barricaded operation, a school takeover, a terrorist threat, a sniper situation, high risk warrant service such as in drug dealer cases or apprehension, protection of dignitaries, or any scenario in which the capabilities of regular police officers are not sufficient to handle the threat to the peace of the community. Formed to protect Wetzel County, the team is multijurisdictional and may be called up to support other tactical teams in the northern West Virginia region.
Two new SRT members are from the Hundred area and will be undergoing special training as precision marksmen and observers. Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Hayes, who has been a law enforcement officer for 16 years, and Sheriff’s Department Cpl. Mike Koontz, also a 16-year experienced officer, both will be joining the SRT. Also coming on board as a precision marksman and observer will be Sistersville Ptl. Don Bordenkircher, a two-year member of the police force and a veteran of the war in Iraq.
Sgt. John Brookover of the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office will be joining the SRT as an alternate negotiator. He brings to the SRT 22 years of experience in law enforcement and he is a Vietnam veteran. In addition to regular SRT training he must also attend special crisis negotiating classes.
According to Wetzel Sheriff James Hoskins who began developing the team in 2005, each prospective member voluntarily states in writing that he or she wants to become a member. Hoskins says he has been getting good feedback about the SRT and is glad to be expanding the SRT team, “I have spoken with several community leaders and citizens about the SRT. There have been many positive comments concerning the operations...We have the capability to increase our efforts to safely protect our citizens...We will continue to give our citizens the protection they deserve.”
Since its formation in 2005 the SRT has been activated 14 times, with no loss of lives and no use of violent force to resolve the problem.