Blackwater Images

A Suwanee River Kayak Adventure!

A late April Suwanee River Kayak Trip developed into an incredible adventure for four friends who had a few days off. The trip began at Branford, Florida and ended 42 miles and two days later at Fanning Springs. The weather was beautiful, the river full, calm and steadily flowing.

The Florida weather was perfect for paddling!

We left Tallahassee early in the morning, grabbed some breakfast and drove to Branford where we put all four boats in the river. We then drove both trucks to the take-out point in Fanning Springs leaving one truck there and bringing the other truck back up to Branford where the paddling journey began.

The trip began at this park in Branford, Florida. River was a little high and running good! Paddlers were excited to get on the river!

This sign was no joke! During the trip we saw numerous giant Sturgeon jumping 4 to 5 feet out of the water and coming down with a big splash! Someone riding in a speeding boat would be seriously injured having hit one of these airborne fish! They were amazing to see!

Steve gets situated after launching his kayak. And the journey begins…

One of several highway bridges spanning the mighty Suwanee River!

The weather was perfect for paddling the river!

Bob opted to canoe the Suwanee! The canoe worked great and offered plenty of room for gear however when the wind blew across the river the canoe moved with the wind!

This sunken sign warns boaters of a “slow zone” as they approach Hart Spring.

These long quiet stretches of river are great for clearing the mind…

After a short break Jay heads back out into the river. Paddlers took breaks about every hour to get out of the boats and stretch their legs. Paddlers averaged 3.4 miles per hour paddling down the river.

Day 1 was a 13 mile paddle downriver to Sims Landing. This was a rural boat landing that provided paddlers a place to make camp and relax. A kind neighbor on a tractor came by and discussed the area and said if we needed anything to walk over to his house which was just down the road. Camp was set and dinner was made. Sunset came and paddlers soon retreated to their tents and hammock. It had been a good day. Paddlers were serenaded throughout the night by Barred Owls and fish jumping in the river.

So begins another day on the Suwanee River

Day two began early as paddlers had a 20 mile day awaiting them. Paddlers broke camp, ate and loaded the boats. The original plan had the day ending after 17 miles of river paddling however paddlers were encouraged to go another 3 miles and spend the night at “Hart Springs”. To say the least…this was great advice!

These invasive plants are taking over this tree.

Steve pedals down the Suwanee! This boat can be paddled or pedaled!

Bob and Jay relax after a great day of river paddling!

Another day begins on the Suwanee River…

We had no idea what awaited at Hart Springs!

Old growth Cypress trees line dark river

Paddlers saw more wildlife on this leg of the Suwanee than any other leg thus far. Boaters were warned of jumping Sturgeon on the river and this warning is to be taken seriously. Numerous large Sturgeon were observed jumping five feet in the air and splashing back down into the river. Deer and gators were regularly seen and birds were everywhere, especially ducks and herons. Lots and lots of ducks!

As the river nears the Gulf it becomes more wide. The beautiful limestone walls which were prevalent much further up (north) on the river were non-existent in this area of the Suwanee.

Words can’t describe the beauty of this mighty river

What looks like a small cove is actually a beautiful spring. The Suwanee River is lined with small springs like this one.

This old sign directed us to Hart Springs

Paddling into paradise…welcome to Hart Springs!

After taking the advice to stay at Hart Springs paddlers added an additional 3 miles to the day and spotted the sign for Hart Springs. Paddlers turned up the creek and instantly noticed the water color changed from Tannic brown to a clear blue green. The further the bluer until the creek opened up into a paradise! It was Old Florida and it was beautiful! Paddlers beached the boats and made their way to the park office. Hart Springs is part of the Gilchrist County Park System as well as the Suwanee River Blue Trail. Paddlers paid $9 each for the privilege to camp here overnight. It was late in the day and park employees were off at 5. Within minutes they were gone and paddlers had the entire park to themselves. The evening was spent swimming, bathing and jumping off the diving platform into the spring! Restrooms and showers were available across the park. Camp and dinner was made and once again as night fell paddlers retired after a long day on the river. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!

Notice the large crowds at Hart Springs? Neither did we!

Hart Springs is “Old Florida”. It is truly a special place. Park employees said that during the summer park attendance is capped at 700 visitors which is usually reached by 10am. Automobiles are lined up at the gate and down the road waiting to enter the park!

After being serenaded by Barred Owls and mullet jumping in the spring throughout the night the final day of the trip had arrived. Today would be a short 10 mile paddle from Hart Springs to Fanning Springs. Paddlers broke camp early and got on the river. This morning was calm and quiet, very serene as paddlers enjoyed the morning heading downriver.

Day three ended at the State Park at Fanning Springs. After loading the boats paddlers had lunch at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Fanning Springs, returned to Branford to grab the truck staged there and headed home. This was an incredible trip. The weather was perfect, the river was prime and the trip well planned. Two legs of the Suwanee river remain for this team of paddlers to have paddled the entire length of the Suwanee, Fanning Springs to the Gulf and the Okeefenokee to the Suwanee River State Park. These two legs will be completed by this time next year. The paddling/camping season will be suspended until the fall due to heat and biting insects, specifically Yellow Flies. Until then……

Florida Tour de Force ’25

The eight heroes that were honored during the Tour de Force 2025 ride.

The 2025 Florida Tour de Force bicycle ride began on Monday April 7th in Miami, Florida and rolled into the South Daytona Beach Police Department on Friday April 11th. This year’s ride honored eight FloridaLaw Enforcement Officers who were killed in the Line of Duty during 2024. What follows is a collection of photographs taken during this event to honor those brave heroes who gave their all for their communities.

Team Tallahassee arrived a couple of days early and as usual did a “warm up” ride from Coral Gables thru South Beach and into South Miami. This is always a highlight of the trip and this year was no exception.

The south Florida weather did not disappoint!

Several members of Team Tallahassee take a break at a Cuban Cafe’ during the warm-up ride.

Florida State Trooper Zachary Fink

Trooper Zachary Fink

Trooper Zachary Fink was killed in a vehicle crash during a pursuit on Interstate 95 north at Crosstown Parkway near Port St. Lucie at 3:00 a.m.

At 2:40 am, the subject was speeding and reckless driving on I-95, and St. Lucie deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Other agencies joined the pursuit when the subject did not stop. The subject made a U-turn on Interstate 95, driving southbound in the northbound lanes on I-95. Trooper Fink initiated a U-turn to stop the vehicle and was struck by a semi-tractor trailer.

Trooper Fink was transported to HCA Lawnwood Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was also killed.

The pursuit continued, with the subject driving the wrong way on I-95. He eventually crashed and fled on foot. He was apprehended at 8:06 a.m.

Trooper Fink had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for three years. He is survived by his mother, father, and fiancée. Trooper Fink was 30 years old.

A fruit stand in South Miami, buying a fresh smoothie is always a treat. More Miami street art.

Fresh Coconut water was available during the warm up ride

Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link

Bradley Michael Link

Master Deputy Sheriff Brad Link was shot and killed when he and other deputies responded to a disturbance at a home on Brookside Drive near County Road 439 in Eustis.

As deputies responded to the initial 911 call, they were directed to a second nearby house after apprehending a female subject. When they arrived at that location, they discovered two dead dogs outside, a door had been kicked in, and they could hear yelling inside. As they entered the home, a subject inside opened fire on them from ambush. Deputy Link was shot and became trapped inside. Two other deputies were wounded, one critically, during the incident and the subsequent attempt to rescue Deputy Link.

Deputy Link was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead early the following morning.

Three people inside the home were found with self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The female, who was apprehended, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman Hospital for a mental and physical evaluation. She has been charged with principal to murder in the first degree of a law enforcement officer, three counts of principal to attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree – premeditated, battery on a law enforcement or other officer, and three counts of battery.

Deputy Link was a U.S. Army Reserves veteran. He had served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for 4-1/2 years and had previously served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for two years. He had also served as an Explorer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as a teenager. He is survived by his wife, father, mother, brother, and sister.

Riders wore armbands in honor of the fallen Heroes. These armbands will be delivered to the families of the Officers during a ceremony in Tallahassee.

The trip would not be complete without a trip to Versailles…

Police Officer Jeremy Boykins

Jeremy Boykins

Police Officer Jeremy Boykins died after suffering a medical emergency while participating in the tryout for the Emergency Field Force Team.

When Officer Boykins collapsed, he was transferred to the Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.

Officer Boykins had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for over two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Corrections Officer Bradford McNew

Bradford D. McNew

Corrections Officer Brad McNew was shot and killed at the Love’s Travel Stop at 12921 Duval Road in Jacksonville after intervening in a domestic altercation.

At 1:20 a.m., Officer McNew stopped at the convenience store and witnessed a man assaulting a female. When he tried to help the woman, the man aimed a gun at him before returning to his car. The subject leaned out of his car window and shot Officer McNew before driving away.

Officer McNew was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds.

The suspect was arrested in North Carolina the following day. He is charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault with a firearm.

Officer McNew had served with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for 24 years. He is survived by his wife and son.

Ride Marshal Kevin O’Brien describes the role of a Ride Marshal

Nothing beats the South Florida Hospitality

Chief Bob pays close attention during a ride briefing

Bruce Doras, one of the original members of the “Four Horsemen”

Sergeant Elio Diaz

Elio Diaz

Sergeant Elio Diaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop shortly after 3:00 p.m. at 4968 Tamiami Trail in Charlotte Harbor.

During the stop, the driver pulled out a rifle and fired at Sergeant Diaz before fleeing. When he was found a few miles away, the suspect reached for his rifle and was shot and killed by deputies.

Sergeant Diaz was transported to ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, where he succumbed to his wounds.

Sergeant Diaz had served with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for over 11 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Sergeant Diaz was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.

Memorial in front of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller

Ralph “Butch” Waller, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller and Corporal Luis Paez were struck and killed, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz was critically injured on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m.

One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While the three deputies were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.

Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary’s Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz succumbed to his injuries four days later.

The driver suffered minor injuries.

Deputy Waller had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years.

Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz

Ignacio “Dan” Diaz

Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz succumbed to injuries he received when he, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Waller were struck by a vehicle on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m. on November 21, 2024.

One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While Deputy Diaz, Deputy Waller, and Corporal Paez were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.

Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary’s Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz passed away four days later.

These armbands were worn by riders during the tour and will be gifted to the loved ones of fallen Officers later this month in Tallahassee.

Corporal Luis Paez

Luis Paez

Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller were struck and killed, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz was critically injured on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m.

One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While the three deputies were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.

Corporal Paez and Deputy Waller were life-flighted to St. Mary’s Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz died from his injuries four days later.

The driver suffered minor injuries.

Corporal Paez had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for 36 years and served as a motor officer for over 20 years

And now the 2025 Florida Tour de Force is in the books. It was an incredible week riding with a great group of riders for a great cause. In a few short weeks these heroes will be honored in Tallahassee and then in Washington DC where their names will be etched into the cold granite walls forever. Lest we forget these brave souls who gave they had to give protecting their communities. God Bless these Heroes.

Controlled Burn!

A very important aspect of forest land management is controlling the undergrowth that when left unchecked can lead to an uncontrolled wildfire. Today I joined with several like minded friends who set fire to a managed Long Leaf Pine Tree farm in order to reduce the undergrowth and therefore eliminate the risk of an uncontrolled wildfire! It was a good day!

Wildfires were a natural phenomenon created by lightning prior to the modern era and worked to produce a healthy forest environment when Long Leaf Yellow Pine forests covered the southeastern United States.

Light winds and dry conditions made it a perfect day to burn the woods!

Landowners Rick and Garrett Ashton do an outstanding job managing the land

This old Live Oak Stump endures yet another controlled burn

Fire slowly moves across the forest floor

This drip-torch was the star of the show!

The fire slowly works it’s way thru the groundcover

Garrett Ashton uses the drip torch to light this debris pile

The fire is closely monitored for safety

Azaleas were in full bloom not far from the burn

Proper forestry management benefits everyone, especially the wildlife that inhabits it. It was a beautiful day to work with good friends and we were all glad to have been a part of it. In a few short weeks the forest floor will begin to sprout new life and the cycle of growth will begin once more. And so it is with God’s beautiful creation. If only everyone could spend a day outdoors working in the woods…..

Snowy Midtown Morning!

A rare snow event visited the southeastern United States on January 21, 2025 leaving Tallahassee covered with up to 6 inches of fresh snow throughout the night and early morning hours. Freezing temperatures kept the snow in place after the sun came up. What follows are several photos taken in the Midtown Tallahassee area during an early morning walk.

Motor vehicle traffic has come to a standstill.

A beautiful cold morning on Cherry Street!

Sledding down the hill at Winthrop Park!

Four Oaks Church on Eighth Avenue is covered in fresh snow!

Temperatures hovered in the twenties throughout the morning!

This snow event was a great opportunity for families to spend the day enjoying the outdoors!

It has been a long time since Tallahassee has experienced a snow event. It interrupted the fast paced business of everyday life but it was a great opportunity for everyone to slow down and take the day off and enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Traffic was pretty much non existent and people were outside walking and enjoying the day! Not sure when we will get another snow day but everyone made the most of it! It was a very special day!

Happy New Year!!

Spent a couple of hours on NYE night shooting photos of the Fireworks at Cascades Park in downtown Tallahassee, Florida. The weather cooperated tonight which made for a great opportunity to photograph the show! Enjoy!

As we turn the page on another New Year loaded with new opportunities we at Blackwater Images wish you and yours a safe and prosperous 2025!

Best of 2024 in Photos…..

2024 was a great year for making photographs! Every day provided numerous opportunities to capture a few shots! What is included in this last blog of 2024 are what we believe are the best of 2024. Thank you for your interest in and support of Blackwater Images. Hope 2024 was as good for you as it was for us! As always, best wishes for a safe and prosperous 2025! God Bless!

Mark Wheeler crosses a land bridge near Alford Greenway

A Clatter of Wood Storks at the St Marks Wildlife Refuge

You never know what A Go Pro mounted on the back of your bike helmet with capture!

The Hunter fires at a flushed quail on the wing, this photo was taken at the same time as the shot strikes a Pine tree (left side of photo), a truly unique photograph. The photo was taken by Bronwyn Ferrell during a quail hunting trip in South Georgia.

Palm Beach County Motorcycle Unit. Several months later three of these Heroes were killed in a traffic crash.

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the memories we made during this great year. We are no doubt looking forward to a new year and new opportunities. May God Bless you and your family. We wish you the best always! Blackwater Images.

Christmas on the Blackwater

Just prior to Christmas 2024, five longtime friends ventured out to the Blackwater River in Northwest Florida to paddle and camp on one of the most beautiful rivers in the area. It was an incredible journey!

The Blackwater River is a 56.6 mile long river rising in Southern Alabama and flowing through the Florida panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico. The River enters Florida in Okaloosa County and flows through Santa Rosa County to Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay. It passes through the Blackwater River State Forest and Blackwater River State Park.

The beautiful clear and shallow river is a paddling mecca!

31 miles of the river are navigable by canoe, kayak or small boat. The section of the river from Kennedy Bridge near Munson, Florida to Deaton Bridge in the Blackwater River State Park is designated a “Florida Canoe Trail”, part of the statewide system of greenways and trails.

The River flows an average of 2 to 3 miles per hour and has an average depth of 2.5′.

Our trip began as we convoyed from Tallahassee to the Blackwater River State Park in Holt, Florida. We visited the FWC Fish Hatchery near the State Park where several varieties of fresh water fish are reared to be released in nearby lakes and rivers. It was an interesting place. After the Fish Hatchery, we drove to the Blackwater River State Park. The park is very well kept and has bathrooms complete with hot showers. Tents were set and a fire started. Paddlers were serenaded throughout the night by a radio playing Christmas songs from a neighboring campsite!

Day 1 began with a hearty breakfast at a local Waffle House!

Paddlers were picked up on the “short bus” provided by local outfitter “Blackwater Joe’s” and taken from the State Park to the launch point at Wilderness Landing, about 20 miles upstream.

The boats are offloaded and taken to the river. Mark Wheeler (blue shirt) surveys the river prior to beginning.

The weather was cool and clear, however, slight rain was forecast and a light rain did fall during the afternoon of day one. The river water was clear and beautiful, cold but not unbearable.

The river water was clear and beautiful!

Maybe they should have named it the “Goldwater” River…..

Ernie and Jay stretch their legs on one of the numerous sandbars along the river

A light rain fell on day one making the afternoon paddle that much more enjoyable!

At the end of day one the boats were pulled up on shore and paddlers camped on a bluff.

The sun sets after an incredible day paddling the Blackwater….

Debating on whether to camp on a sandbar or a beautiful river bluff the decision was made to camp on the bluff. Paddlers picked out their campsites, tents were pitched and hammocks hung. Paddlers made supper out of Mountain House meals and gathered firewood and built a fire. Soon it was time for sleep but not before paddlers were serenaded by 2 packs of ‘yotes in the river swamp. The waning moon was not long from full and the clear cold night was beautiful with the moon and stars above illuminating the river basin.

The evening fire felt good on a cold night…

Day 2 Begins…

After a great night of camping paddlers awoke and broke camp. Breakfast was made. Today was much colder than yesterday with the skies overcast and winds increasing as a cold front was moving thru. Soon the boats were launched and day 2 began.

Mark enjoys a high protein breakfast before beginning a second day on the Blackwater…

The Riverside Barista pours a perfect cup!

Jay breaks camp after a good nights sleep….

Mark prepares his Kayak for the day ahead….

Edward calls “River Control” for approval to launch!

Mark and Jay consult the map on deciding which way to go to begin day 2, they agreed that heading downstream would work best!

Just wow! What an adventure! The beautiful Blackwater River does not disappoint! Day 2 ended just after noon at the Deaton Bridge at the State Park. Although the river meanders on to the Gulf of Mexico, the “Paddling Trail” ends at the Bridge as the river below the bridge is not maintained for paddlers. There is a perfect takeout just past the bridge where we loaded the ‘yaks on the truck and headed home. A great group, a beautiful river and a love of paddling and camping! It doesn’t get any better than this! Until next time………

CYCLING SASQUATCH ’24

After a long year since the last Sasquatch Event at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Park in Cordele, Georgia Sasquatch had 2024 finally arrived! We’ve looked forward to this weekend for a long time!

The weather was perfect, the roads were in excellent condition and the food was incredible! Sasquatch 2024 did not disappoint!!

Friday night’s sun sets over Lake Blackshear! The weekend had finally arrived!

The Georgia Clay Roads await. The conditions were perfect!

Riders line up for breakfast before Saturday Morning’s ride!

The big grills were put to the test throughout the weekend! They did not disappoint!

Mark Wheeler stands next to the Sasquatch prior to Saturday Morning’s ride…

The fire kept riders warm during the weekend!

Rick Ashton prepares for an 85 mile Saturday morning ride!

Riders passed by thousands of acres of cotton!

Day one was an incredible day! The weather and road conditions could not have been better! Riders enjoyed an nourishing breakfast before the ride. It was a good day! The night would prove to be even better with an incredible supper after the ride!

Riders gather around the fire prior to supper Saturday night…

Hungry riders weren’t the only ones looking forward to supper!

Ray and his team putting it all togehter!

Mark Wheeler enjoys the Sunday Morning Ride….

Sasquatch 2024 was an incredible event! The food, camaraderie, weather and road conditions were outstanding! Thank You to Ray and team for making this event possible! Looking forward to next year which will be the 10th Cycling Sasquatch Ride! See you there!

Orlando in October…

Each October the Florida Swat Association hosts the annual International Swat Roundup at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shooting range. This year fifty five tactical teams from around the world competed in the five event competition which will crown one team as the champion….. the best in the World!

What follows is a compilation of photos taken during the first day of the event focusing on the Tallahassee Police Department’s TAC Team. As of this writing, TPD sits in third place with one event to go on Friday………. the Obstacle Course…….

Team members discuss their game plan prior to the first event.

Team members get final instructions from an event judge prior to the competition.

The team waits for the second competition of the day…..

The rifle raises up from the recoil as the spent shell casing flies past the front of the barrel……

After day one the Tallahassee Police Department’s team was in first place. They had an incredible day. Their skills are second to none as they displayed their abilities and competed against some of the best teams in the world. Kudos to these dedicated warriors who give their all during this competition and daily on the streets of their hometown. To them we say…..Good Job Gentlemen!

Tactical Ambitions…

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.

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!

Bench Press…

Team Members and candidates closely watch the competition…

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……