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On April 8-12 two members of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Russ Thomas and Logan Johnson, attended the Basic Tactical Operators Course (or SWAT School) located at Fort McClellan in Anniston.

Thomas is a Sergeant within the Investigation’s division of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office while also serving as a team leader on the Special Response Team (SWAT Team). Thomas was invited to be an instructor at the Basic Tactical Operators Course two years ago and has helped instruct several classes. Johnson is a patrol deputy, the newest member of the Special Response Team, and was attending the course as a student.

The Basic Tactical Operators Course is a 61-hour class and runs for five days. So, it goes without saying that there are going to be some late nights and early mornings. Thomas was the lead instructor for his team of seven students. Thomas’ team was voted Top Team, at the end of the five days out of five teams.

“They were a great group of men who were eager to learn and were always wanting to improve,” Thomas said. “That always makes my job easier, and I love to see it.”