The scenario called for three heavily armed terrorists to occupy the building, and barricade various interior and exterior doors. The hard structure of the building made it extremely difficult to gain entry, and this required specialized tools. Along with searching the building for the terrorist players, team members had the opportunity to utilize explosives to breach doors. The Warwick Fire Department Special Hazard Unit demonstrated their rescue tools that can be used by tactical teams during hostage rescue operations. The ACI Team also demonstrated their special cutting saw. Diversionary devices (flashbangs) were incorporated during the exercise to add realism. Firearm safety was a primary concern, in view of the large amount of armed tactical personnel involved. Safety observers were busy ensuring that all weapons were made safe. They did an outstanding job.

Overall, the training was very successful and beneficial, and it clearly showed the need to work together in a counter-terrorism operational setting. As a result, participating Teams are now better prepared to meet the challenge of a terrorist strike in Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Tactical Officers Association (RITOA) would like to commend the RI State Police Tactical Team, Warwick SWAT, West Warwick/Coventry Regional SWAT, East Greenwich and Cranston Special Response Teams, ACI Correctional Response Team, and the Warwick Fire Department Special Hazard Unit, and extend a job well done.

Briefing prior to commencing exercise.	East Greenwich PD SRT preparing for entry.
Warwick FD Special Hazard Unit demonstrating specialized entry tool.	Working together! WFD Special Hazard Unit working with law enforcement tactical teams.

The scenario had a group of suspected terrorists stealing an unknown quantity of missiles from a military shipment, as well as two vehicles from New Jersey. Intelligence reports indicated that they would target T. F. Green Airport. Authorities were notified, and the MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) Mitigation Plan was activated. Terrorists were located parked in a ball-field near the airport waiting for airplanes take off. It became the responsibility of the SWAT Team to make an apprehension. Plans were formulated, SWAT Officers were positioned on the inner perimeter, and utilizing the concept of Speed, Shock and the Element Of Surprise, the terrorists were taken into custody. Additionally, members of the Rhode Island State Bomb Squad, and the US Navy EOD Detachtment were involved in conducting an RSP (render safe procedure) on the MANPADS System left in the truck.

This exercise also included the opportunity for over 100 local, state and federal law enforcement officers to receive training on the MANPADS System, and a lecture on LE Response to a MANPAD incident. This training was conducted both by the US Army and the Warwick Police Department.

Should any Rhode Island LE agency require data and procedures for counteracting a MANPADS threat, please contact the TSA or Warwick PD for assistance.

Instructors were RITOA Vice President, Sgt. Paul Brandley of the Pawtucket PD SWAT Team, and Officer Dave DelBonis of the Warwick PD SWAT Team an RITOA Advisory Board Member.

The first course entitled, Tactical Ground Fighting Instructor, certified LE Officers in techniques and tactics for ground fighting encounters.

The second course, entitled Hostage Rescue (Basic), instructed participants in methods of weapons deployment and tactics through practical applications of CQB environments, perfecting the skills essential for successful high-threat operations.

Both courses were instructed by a former Navy Seal combat veteran, and organized by RITOA Advisory Board member Officer Stef Theodore of the Warwick PD SWAT Team.

According to RITOA member Sgt. Tom Hannon of the Warwick PD SWAT Team, organizer of the event, all went well, and the session gave the Sniper/Marksmen an opportunity to hone down their skills with targets at distances greater than those available at their local training sites.

Although no instruction was provided at this Session, it was a structured day of shooting, and beneficial to all who attended.

These special first-aid kits could save police officers lives if they are shot or severely wounded in the line of duty. Developed by emergency physicians, paramedics and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the kits allow for proper and immediate first-aid care for a bullet or knife wound.

RITOA’s goal is to provide a kit for every police car in the state. These kits increase an officer’s chances of survival if he or she is shot on duty, because treatment can begin immediately. We are very happy to be able to provide them to our fellow officers, and encourage other agencies and/or businesses to provide donations to help us achieve our goal.

Law enforcement agencies in many states use the Trauma Kits, as well as federal agencies such as the FBI, ATF, Secret service, Border Patrol, Customs Service, and US Forest Service.