http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18856159 <http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18856159&BRD=984&PAG=461&dept_id= 141126&rfi=6> &BRD=984&PAG=461&dept_id=141126&rfi=6 S.W.A.T. TEAM WORKS TO PROTECT AREA by Alex Nye <http://images.zwire.com/local/Z/ZWIRE984/zwire/images/2007/09/story/Sheriff [EMAIL PROTECTED]> <http://images.zwire.com/images/spacer.gif> Sean Hediger of the Erie County Sheriff's Office wears a "Gillie suit" after a sniper drill. Although Hediger was hiding in bushes less than 20 yards away during the drill, untrained observers could not spot him. <http://images.zwire.com/images/spacer.gif> Since Sept. 11, 2001, the threat of terrorism in the homeland has become more apparent. Americans have come to realize that the threat of attack or other danger is possible anywhere. As a result of this heightened anxiety, all levels of government have worked to enhance the capabilities of protectors to ensure the safety of the people. In conjunction with National Sheriff's Week, the Sheriff's Department of Erie County - our local protectors - demonstrated for members of the media the latest technology and efforts in counter-terrorism at the SWAT Range in Alden. At the SWAT facility, the team can practice fast-roping from helicopters, hone their pistol and rifle skills, train snipers, detonate bombs, and simulate live-action drills within hostile zones. "We train all the time because it is all methodical," said Steve Meerboth, a detective with the Sheriff's office. "We train so it becomes routine, so we all do everything properly and at the same pace." On the range, it is a controlled environment. They are safe as long as the team is doing everything correctly. In real life, when it is not a drill, things can and do go wrong. Last year, the SWAT team experienced firsthand the dangerous realities when Ralph "Bucky" Phillips was on the lamb. Three New York State Police officers were shot on duty, one fatally. It is situations like these, when the training and equipment are for the security of law enforcement personnel, too. "If one of our men were down in a hot zone," said Sergeant Greg Savage, "we don't send in more guys." What they do send in is an 18,000-pound truck, prepared to protect against chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks. The heavily armored vehicle is even operated in Iraq, with a design that can be used for both offensive and defensive tactics. It can carry up to a dozen men swiftly into and out of a danger zone. Funding for such vehicles-with a $230 thousand price tag-has come as a result of 9/11. The federal government has felt a sense of urgency to tighten security and make certain it is prepared for any threat. Some SWAT team members have attended as many as nine instructional classes in the last five years. They are briefed on the latest technology and how to combat any possible terrorist situation. Anthony Clabeau, a bomb technician for the Sheriff's office, has to be re-certified every three years. It is an intensive six-week school hosted by the FBI, which starts the moment he arrives. The Bomb Squad has a protective 90-lb suit and a radio-controlled robot that can X-ray and deactivate many kinds of bombs. The robot is even capable of picking up and transporting volatile explosives when people cannot or should not go near. But despite advancements, nothing can replace the human element. "If somebody throws a bomb on a bank teller and it's going 'tick tick tick,' you rush in there without the suit," Clabeau explained with candor. "When someone's life is in danger, you have to go right in." Clabeau's words fit the character of all those serving on the SWAT team. No matter what equipment they have, they are going in to protect and serve regardless of the personal danger. That is something else the country has realized since 9/11, too. 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