Iowa County Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.)

 

 

In 1993 the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department established the “Iowa County Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.)” to assist local and area law enforcement agencies with Critical Incidents.  These Critical Incidents included:

• High risk arrest warrants

• Search warrants

• Hostage situations

• Barricaded suicidal subjects

• Special Operations

• Personal protection for VIP personnel

The Iowa County ERT is supervised by a team Commander, and two Team Leaders, and ten (10) specially trained law enforcement officers from the sheriff’s department, and local police agencies within Iowa County.  Each prospective member applies to the ERT unit, and upon selection, and then attends a specialized SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) training.  The ERT trains monthly and is on-call for Critical Incidents 24 hours a day.  The ERT also trains with area SWAT teams from area law enforcement jurisdictions.

 Members of the ERT have specialized training, for which they are assigned as:

 

·         Entry Team

·         Hostage Negotiations

·         Sharpshooters

·         Chemical munitions

·         Team MEDIC (non-law enforcement personnel)

 

The Iowa County ERT also utilizes a 1990 Ford van for their transportation to, and from their destinations.

 

Each member of the ERT is equipped with special/tactical equipment, weaponry and uniforms that assists them in carrying out their assignments, and reaching a successful resolution, of the critical incident they have responded too.