Photo By Sgt. Michael Alberts | Hawija district police chiefs and the members of their Special Weapons and Tactics...... read more read more
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by Spc. Mike Alberts
3rd BCT, 25th Inf. Div. PAO
HAWIJA, Iraq – American cities hail them as the most well-equipped and well-trained officers in a police department. They bring special skills, knowledge and expertise to fighting crime. Now, the city of Hawija, Iraq, has its own comparable unit of highly skilled and trained officers.
The first Hawija Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) police officers received graduation certificates during a recognition ceremony at Forward Operating Base McHenry, Hawija, Iraq, Oct 26.
According to international police liaison officer (IPLO) Tom Yenchik, Hawija team leader, the eight graduates in the inaugural class were among 40 that qualified for the SWAT program. The course consisted of advanced officer training in the areas of weapons, mounted and dismounted tactical movement, room and building clearing procedures, first aid and vehicle maintenance, among other things.
The goal of establishing a SWAT team is to develop an elite fighting force and to set a standard within the Hawija ranks that other police officers can look to for motivation.
"These officers will serve as a model for the rest of their unit," said Yenchik. "We also hope it gives these individual officers increased confidence to take on the enemy, and will demonstrate that local police can defeat those terrorizing their towns," he said.
SWAT training was conducted by IPLOs with the support and assistance of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
IPLOs are a collection of subject matter experts, all current or retired police officers, who volunteered to come to Iraq to mentor and train Iraqi police. IPLO SWAT instructors include Mr. Jim Barnett, Dewayne Barber and Mark Armstrong. Instructor Darrell Weatherbee was killed in the line of duty September 2006.
"I am grateful for the assistance and sacrifice of coalition forces and [the IPLO]," said Hawija police chief Col. Fatah, through an interpreter. "I am hopeful that these new officers continue to serve as models for the rest of the force and set an example for the people of Hawija," said Fatah.
"If you watch the news one of the questions that always seems to be asked is, 'Is this war in Iraq worth it'?" said Lt. Col. Drew Meyerowich, battalion commander, 2-27. "There is a simple answer to this question that involves two [elements]," Meyerowich continued.
"As long as there is an enemy that is willing to blow up innocent children and families and there are men who are willing to stand up against these criminals, then what we are doing here is worth it.
"Sitting here today are a group of young men who want to take back their society from these terrorists. They understand that the future of their families, the future of their towns, and the future of the nation rests with them," Meyerowich said. "I am honored to be here today congratulating you."
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2006 16:05 |
| Story ID: | 8205 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 342 |
| Downloads: | 119 |
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