SAILER, NC — The York County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team secured first place at the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy SWAT Competition, outperforming seven other teams from across the state.
The multi-day event challenged participating teams with a range of physical and tactical exercises, including a three-and-a-half-mile team run in full SWAT gear, marksmanship trials, and strength-based tasks such as moving sandbags, pulling sleds, and carrying kettlebells. York County’s team took first place in five of the eight events.
“This was a great opportunity to go somewhere we’ve never been and compete against teams we weren’t familiar with,” a team representative said. “It was a chance to show that hard work and consistent training pay off.”
York County’s SWAT unit typically trains twice a month, but in preparation for the competition, team members increased their sessions to once a week, focusing on both physical fitness and shooting proficiency.
“We constantly push each other to get better every day,” the team member added. “Being the only team from South Carolina and finishing first against all North Carolina teams is a testament to our commitment.”
Participating North Carolina teams included agencies from Gastonia, Wake Forest, and Hoke County.
The victory adds to the growing recognition of the York County Sheriff’s Office’s emphasis on preparedness and public safety. To learn more about the agency, visit www.yorkcountysheriff.com.
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