Winnfield Police Department Officer Cassidy Martin received certification as a Special Weapons And Tactics, (SWAT) Officer the week of November 10-15. Officer Martin, who has been with the police department since 2006, attended and graduated from the 27th Basic SWAT Operator School located in Lafayette. The 60-hour course included intense physical fitness testing that involved runs with and with special gear, weapons training, obstacle courses, and live scenario practices that used simulation rounds.

Officers also received training in reacting to life-threatening emergencies like barricaded subject, hostage negotiation and rescues, deployment of specialized weaponry and vehicles, and different marksmanship techniques that were conducted night, day and during inclement weather. After accumulation of all their training on Friday, officers from Lafayette, Kenner, Iberia Parish, Carencro, and Winfield received their certifications. Martin brings back his training and expertise to the department where he can assist other officers in proper protocols in different situations. 

“I congratulate Officer Martin on his accomplishment and for further advancing his training and certifications. This benefits both the Winnfield Police Department and the community by having properly trained officers in specialized areas” said Chief of Police Johnny R. Carpenter.

Martin stated, “It was very intense training and by far the best I have ever attended. I intend to apply this training to other officers to help protect the citizens of Winnfield.” 

The department and Martin thanked the Lafayette Police Department for allowing Martin to attend their training and certification program even though he was from a different area. Developing relationships and networking across the state is vitally important to make a department successful and develop a Mutual Aid concept during emergencies, whether criminal or natural disaster. The department still mourns the death of Sr. Corporal Segus Jolivette, the Lafayette SWAT officer killed in the line of duty back in July of this year.

While researching past historical documents of the Winnfield Police Department, it was found that that Martin is the very first police officer of this department to have advanced to such a skilled position. His SWAT training along with the School Shooter Training sponsored by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office will work hand in hand to provide the safest environment to the schools, city and parish.