Over the last decade, the Larimer County Regional SWAT Team has been engaged in an increasing number of activities that fall outside the realm of traditional SWAT. We have learned that much of our training, specialized equipment, and small unit command & control principles also apply to other unique public safety problems. In recent years, we have been deploying more often to HAZMAT incidents, natural disasters, search & rescue missions, and other unique situations that benefit from our specialized capabilities but do not fall within the traditional role of SWAT. This culminated with the immense role the Larimer County Regional SWAT Team played in the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires.
In order to more accurately reflect our role in public safety, the Larimer County Regional SWAT Team has changed its designation to the Larimer County Regional All-Hazards/Crisis Response (AH/CR) Team. We will continue to maintain the core competencies of a traditional SWAT team while embracing broader parameters of our mission "To Save Lives."
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office fields a regional All-Hazards / Crisis Response team. The team consists of one commander, six team leaders, 18 operators, nine negotiators, one mental health consultant, and one chaplain. Team members are chosen following testing and a selection process from agencies within Larimer County. Any agency within Larimer County is able to participate in the Larimer County Regional AH/CR team. Agencies currently participating in the regional team include Colorado State University Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.
The AH/CR team is utilized in any situation in which a significant danger exists to the lives and safety of victims or potential victims, uninvolved innocent citizens, law enforcement, or fire personnel. Examples include, but are not limited to, high-risk warrant service when the suspect is believed to be armed, wildland manhunt operations, wildland narcotics suppression, terrorist incidents, dignitary protection, hostage situations, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, and search and rescue missions.
Operators are the tactical portion of the team and are responsible for any tactical resolution to a situation. Negotiators are tasked with the intelligence gathering and establishing communications to assist in a successful resolution.
The AH/CR team maintains a varied assembly of equipment and vehicles to complete its tasks and maintain the safety of its members and the community. The team trains several times a month in order to maintain proficiency and the ability to respond to critical incidents efficiently and effectively.
