UTICA METRO SWAT TEAM RECOGNIZED BY NEW YORK STATE

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Police Chief Mark Williams today announced the Utica Metro SWAT team was recognized by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYS DHSES).

The Utica Metro SWAT team is an organized, multi-jurisdictional regional tactical team certified by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS). The Utica Metro SWAT team consists of sworn police officers from the City of Utica Police Department, Town of New Hartford Police Department and the Oneida County Sheriff's Office (with the City of Utica Police Department serving as the commanding agency).

The mission of the Utica Metro SWAT team is to provide partner agencies (and associated jurisdictions) with a flexible, effective response to unconventional, high risk and critical incidents.

Last week, the NYS DHSES organized a Tactical Week training challenge at the State Preparedness Training Center in which tactical teams from various law enforcement agencies throughout New York State participated and competed. All tactical teams rotated through cutting-edge and contemporary training. Each team’s performance was thoroughly reviewed and scored by NYS DHSES personnel in which the Utica Metro SWAT team finished first.

Mayor Palmieri stated, “Utica residents have the best police force in New York State. In working collaboratively with the Town of New Hartford Police Department and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Utica Metro SWAT team is recognized as a top SWAT team in New York State. I commend all Utica Metro SWAT team personnel on this impressive achievement.”

Chief Williams stated, “I’m extremely proud of Metro SWAT. These officers put in many hours of intense training to protect our communities. This award is a reflection of their dedication and hard work. We are also very proud to have one of the few New York State certified SWAT teams.”

Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol stated, “Day after day, the men and women from the Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Metro SWAT team show true dedication and commitment to their mission of working and training together as a team with the Utica and New Hartford Police Departments to keep our communities and our people safe. I am very proud of this exemplary achievement that very few SWAT teams ever receive.”

New Hartford Police Lieutenant Michael Kowalski stated, “Congratulations to the Metro SWAT team on achieving this prestigious award. I thank each member of the Metro SWAT team for their sincere dedication to their training, team and community. This award is proof of their excellence in their profession.”