SWAT has provided FBI sanctioned active shooter training to personnel at all GMSD schools, as well as other schools located in Germantown and the surrounding areas. “We train many people on how to stay safe and protect others so that there are leaders in the public who can assist in active shooter situations.” This is a productive team that works in diverse environments. SWAT officers have clocked 40 miles on the golf course in blazing temperatures while protecting golfers at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Recently, the team served a high-risk warrant to apprehend burglars who were responsible for several burglaries in Germantown, Memphis and Mississippi.
SUCCESS THROUGH DISCIPLINE What stands out in a SWAT officer? Start with the ability to think under stress, strong teamwork traits and willingness to take orders from anyone on the team as well as give them when needed. “Our success comes through discipline, and we’re extremely disciplined with our training, both tactically and physically.” Applicants must pass physical and firearms try-outs, a stringent psychological test and physical and stress testing. They complete DeSoto County SWAT School training before starting to “earn their snakes.” Godwin says, “You often hear our guys say you have to ‘earn your snakes,’ referring to the logo we wear. It’s an everyday process, and if any of us ever lose that mindset it’s time to turn the snakes in.”
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Operators volunteer much of their time that’s invested in training. They practice at the pistol range (94 percent shooting accuracy is required) and some serve as firearms instructors for the patrol division. Their skill level led to winning Mississippi Tactical Officers Association competitions in 2018 and 2017. “We’re all Type A personalities and former high school or college athletes,” says Lt. Davis Herndon. In fact, he and Godwin were college roommates who first bonded through their interests in team sports and law enforcement. Current members range in age from 23 to 39, and maintaining physical fitness is key to staying on the team. “There’s the shape you get in when you’re 22, and you’ll still have to pass the same trial process twice each year,” Godwin says. A big asset to the team is its K9 officer, a Belgian Malinois named Jinx. The 60-lb. canine aids in narcotics detection and can play a vital role in apprehension simply by being present at the scene. A trained K9 awaiting command is a tool that can push suspects to cooperate without use of more extreme measures. On a warm day under a clear sky, Jinx sits calmly with her handler Officer Sam Henderson. But like the SWAT members she assists, she will move to action when called on.
“I love being part of a team and something greater than myself ” – Lieutenant Davis Herndon