In the world of tactical operations, “Ragnarök” implies a final, grueling test of strength and spirit. For three days at The Sawmill Training Complex in Laurens, South Carolina, that is exactly what the state’s elite units faced. From February 24–26, 2026, the York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) SWAT Team battled freezing temperatures and relentless pouring rain to emerge as the undisputed champions of the 2026 South Carolina SWAT Challenge.
This isn’t just a win; it’s a statement. This victory marks York County’s second first-place finish in a major regional competition, following their gold-medal performance in North Carolina last year.
Elite Selection: The Top 8
While the York County SWAT team is a robust unit comprised of highly skilled officers from across the entire county, the competition roster is strictly limited. To ensure the highest level of performance, only 8 members are selected to represent the agency at any given competition. This “best of the best” approach proved its worth at The Sawmill, as the 8-man element operated with surgical precision through every stage.
More Than Just a Trophy: The Ragnarök Challenge
Hosted by Valkyrie Tactical Solutions and The Sawmill, the competition was designed to push teams to their absolute breaking point. Across seven distinct events, agencies were tested on the core pillars of high-stakes policing:
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Tactical & Technical Proficiency: Real-world problem solving under stress.
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Physical Endurance: Sustaining peak performance in harsh environments.
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Specialized Skillsets: Precision shooting, breaching, and combat medicine.
While the competition fosters networking and a “friendly” exchange of tactics, the “Best SWAT Team” title is reserved for the unit that displays the most cohesive mental focus and operational excellence.
The Competition Field: 2026 Final Standings
The Ragnarök Challenge featured a field of 10 elite teams this year. York County didn’t just win; they did so with a commanding lead, finishing 31 points ahead of their nearest competitor.
| Rank | Team | Score |
| 1 | York County | 116 |
| 2 | North Metro | 85 |
| 3 | Greenville | 74 |
| 4 | Pickens | 70 |
| 5 | North Charleston | 66 |
| 6 | Spartanburg | 65 |
| 7 | Travelers Rest | 60 |
| 8 | Kershaw | 53 |
| 9 | Greer | 48 |
| 10 | Caveman | 38 |
A Clean Sweep of Individual Excellence
York County didn’t just win the overall title; they dominated the specialized categories, proving they have elite talent in every seat of the stack. In addition to the team trophy, YCSO operators brought home:
| Category | Award |
| Best Sniper | 1st Place |
| Best Medic | 1st Place |
| Best Breacher | 1st Place |
Winning these specific awards highlights the depth of the team. A SWAT unit is only as strong as its specialists, and York County proved they have the best “doors,” “eyes,” and “lifelines” in the state. The Entry Team was lead by Justin Moore and the Sniper Team was lead by Steven Timbs.
Prepared to Serve
The “why” behind the win is simple: preparation. As the organizers noted, York County didn’t just show up—they trained with a singular focus. But the true value of the Ragnarök Challenge isn’t found in the trophy case.
“This is what The Ragnarök is about. To improve skills operationally that will save lives. To be better for the person to the left and right of you. To serve your Community better.”
For the citizens of York County, this victory offers more than bragging rights; it offers the peace of mind that their Sheriff’s Office is staffed by some of the most proficient, dedicated tactical athletes in the country.
Respect to all the teams who stepped into the arena, and a huge congratulations to the York County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team on a well-earned victory.
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