Tactical Ambitions…

Posted bydaveferrellPosted inUncategorized

True opportunities in life rarely present themselves and when they do those who are so inclined to pursue them should do so with their entire being if they are to succeed. Today, nearly a dozen candidates showed up and gave their all as they competed for a coveted position on the Tallahassee Police Department’s Tactical Apprehension and Control Team. The testing venue was the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Gadsden County, Florida. The weather was clear and mild, however the Florida Sun began to push the temperature into the nineties as the day went on. The evaluation consisted of a physical assessment and shooting drills. What follows is a compilation of photos of the first part of the competition…the physical part….

Sgt. Michael Trowbridge shares words of wisdom with the applicants prior to the physical evaluations.

After a briefing, the applicants participated in a 1.5 mile run down and back the main drive (Academy Drive) at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy. It looks level but…it ain’t exactly “level!”

Current Team Members prepared the evaluation sites and were responsible for ensuring that the testing was done correctly. This is a very serious responsibility because they know that the candidates that are chosen will someday be working side by side with these operators in extremely dangerous situations.

The Mile and a Half Run…

Competitors had obviously been preparing for this day!
Logan Lane and Donna Brown (both TPD Retirees) discuss the evaluation process.
Sean Wright monitors his time as he approaches the turn around point.
Team Members encouraged candidates throughout the day.
E-Rob finishes strong!
The Team rallies around the candidates! !

Push-Ups!

The second physical assessment the applicants participated in was the push-up evaluation. Candidates were given strict instructions as to what would be considered a “legal” push-up and were told that anything less would not be counted. And so it began…

Former Team Members were on hand to offer support to the candidates and evaluate their abilities.

Sit Ups!

Team Members watch the competition!
All reps were evaluated and scored.

Bench Press…

Team Members and candidates closely watch the competition…
Candidates share a laugh between lifts…
Team Members including Chief Revell (center) were impressed with the efforts put forth by the candidates.

Pull Ups…

Once again detailed instructions were explained to the candidates prior to their attempt to complete as many strict pull ups as possible…

The 300 Meter Run…

And the day was only half over! After these grueling physical tests, the candidates ventured down to the firearms range to be tested on their agility and proficiency, with an obstacle course being thrown in for good measure!

It was a great day! Hats off to these brave Officers who stepped out of their comfort zones this morning and tested for a coveted position on this tactical unit. Some will make it, some will not. However, all who participated gained skill and knowledge and demonstrated their abilities. It was not an easy day, nor should it have been. Regardless, all of the candidates gained the upmost respect of the team members and Department Command Staff who witnessed their efforts. Only a few are brave enough to throw their hat into this ring and to that end they are all winners……

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