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Against full-time Special Weapons and Tactics teams from around the world, the Sunnyvale SWAT team—made up of public safety officers who train once a month for special duties—took fourth place in the World SWAT Challenge.
In almost triple-digit heat with high humidity, the team took part in strength, tactics and marksmanship competitions. In one relay event, team members ran a course carrying a riot shield and firing six rounds at six targets from a pistol and two rounds at two targets from a shotgun. Once all shots were fired, the next of the six-man team repeated the process.
Of 48 total targets, Sunnyvale's team hit 45, more than any of the other competitors.
Sunnyvale was the only SWAT team west of Texas invited to the international competition, having earned a reputation after winning the Best of the West competition five of the last nine years it was held, including the last two years.
Unlike most SWAT teams, Sunnyvale's is not a full-time unit. Public safety officers—who work full time in Sunnyvale's police or fire departments—train one day a month as a SWAT team, rather than full time as many cities do.
The event was sponsored by Blackwater USA and held at its training compound in Moyock, N.C.
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