Sedgwick County, Kansas - The special weapons and tactics team in Sedgwick County is looking for a few good men and women. They don't have openings very often on the squad. This year there are three positions open or coming open. This week SWAT is holding tryouts.
"Yes, I'm giving it everything I've got," explains Bruce Redenbaugh of the Wichita Police Department, "We've been on some long runs. Wearing a 30 to 40 pound vest... and that starts to wear on you after a while."
Redenbaugh has been on the Wichita Police force for about five years. He's one of 17 officers from Sedgwick County and Wichita PD that are trying to make SWAT.
Ten hours into his day, things are just heating up for Bruce and the other candidates. First comes a fitness test followed by a "car tire throw" and a map reading test out in the field.
"You're gonna be tested on an individual basis now," yells the SWAT instructor. "You have to navigate to that grid location."
After proving they can read maps under pressure and find that "grid location" about a mile away, it's off to the obstacle course.
The instructor barks out the rules for the obstacle course, "Start on the black square and when you're ready to go tell us."
Just like real life situations SWAT members face the candidates have to run obstacles including a jump over a door and several fences. Even though that obstacle course is a timed event those candidates have to slow down and stop for a moment. Several targets have to be hit with their weapon before each officer can run to the next obstacle.
"You gotta control your breathing. That's the biggest point," explains Redenbaugh. "It's hard to find your (gun) front site and get a good shot off when you're breathing hard and your muscles are tired."
While the competition involves a lot of tough physical elements the candidates still have to work as a team. It's not just about who's the strongest or the fastest.
"Anytime of the day they (SWAT members) could be subject to a call any day of week or time of year," explains Wichita Police Captain Max Tenbrook. "So we can't choose the conditions we work under."
Experienced leaders like Tenbrook say only a few will get the nod to join the squad.
And what about those that don't make the cut?
"Well, If I don't make it," says Redenbaugh, "I'll be back next year."
