Kosciusko County SWAT team assists with any barricaded subjects from armed criminal apprehension to suicidal subjects. Pictured, in the middle, is Chris Anderson, a sheriff’s deputy, during a recent training exercise. (Photo provided)

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department has had a SWAT team in operation since 1997. At that time, the team was formed and began with extensive training provided by special forces trainers from the military.

Kosciusko County SWAT was originally established under former Kosciusko County Sheriff Alan Rovenstine. Initially, it was developed as an “arrest team” under the command of Chuck Hodges and Craig Bale. The team has grown and developed to consist of more than 10 active members currently, which have trained with military special ops and federal agents in various locations, including Camp Atterbury, near Edinburg. They have been involved in numerous felony warrant arrests, stand-off-situations and other tactical incidents.

Over the years, team members have attended training in many areas of special operations to aid law enforcement in Kosciusko County.

SWAT stands for special weapons and tactics.

The Kosciusko County Special Operations unit responds to hostage situations with both operational and negotiation assets available to the team. The team also assists with high risk warrant services, employing advanced tactics for entry and apprehension of those subjects. The SWAT team also assists with any barricaded subjects from armed criminal apprehension to suicidal subjects. Other details completed by this unit would include: VIP security escorts, crowd control and protest event security details.

Kosciusko County SWAT team regularly trains and has monthly mandatory trainings conducted locally. All members complete yearly physical training exercises to promote readiness of service and team members also attend the yearly state SWAT training conference.

There are 13 SWAT team members and the team is led by SWAT Commander, Lt. Don Wiesehan. The team leaders are James Marshall and Sgt. Travis Shively. The SWAT team consists of: Tim Waikel, Chris Anderson, Mike Fowler, Rick Oliver, Kreg Kuhn, Jeff Clark, Josh Spangle and Chris Rager.

Kosciusko County’s SWAT team consists of two, five-man operation teams. Two SWAT medics are also attached to the team to aid both law enforcement and victims who may be encountered at incidents. The two medics are Ryan Reed and Ken Allen.

To be a member of the Kosciusko County SWAT team a deputy must have a minimum of two years of service within the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department patrol division. The deputy would also need to pass the physical fitness testing and firearm proficiency qualifications before being considered for those positions.
“Our team is also unique in the fact that the SWAT team members are also full-time deputies in other divisions of the sheriff’s department,” said Capt. Chris McKeand.

Members of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team were recognized and honored during the 2016 Indiana SWAT Officers Association Conference. The Kosciusko County team was one of seven, state-wide SWAT teams that were recognized for their distinguished service and accomplishments.

Kosciusko County SWAT team has also provided coverage to several neighboring counties including Fulton and Wabash, and, at one time, Whitley County during a stand-off, extraction and arrest incident in South Whitley.

The Kosciusko County SWAT team regularly trains with monthly mandatory sessions conducted locally. Pictured is Mike Fowler, who is writing on the board, and Chris Anderson, to his right. (Photo provided)