Hello and welcome to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics web page. My name is Capt. David Faircloth and I am the SWAT Commander. I began my career with the Sheriff's Office in1987 as a Corrections Officer, working my way through the ranks as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant/District Commander, to my current position as a Captain/Watch Commander. I have been a member of the SWAT team since 1993 and was appointed as the SWAT Commander in February of 2006.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was first established in 1976 by Sheriff Don Moreland. This specialized unit within the Watch Command Bureau is a highly trained and well equipped group of deputies, willing to answer the call in the most dangerous of situations.
To become a member of the SWAT Team, individuals must have at least one year of employment as a Deputy Sheriff with Marion County; pass a physical exertion test, a firearms proficiency test and an oral board. Deputies selected to serve on the team are sent to Basic SWAT School(s) offered in the state of Florida. Once on the team the members are on call 24/7. The entire team trains twice a month. The training days are organized by the squad leaders and consist of scenarios, shooting drills, building entries, vehicle and bus assaults, hostage rescue and many other techniques and skills needed to bring resolution to high risk situations. Team members are expected to become familiar with all aspects of SWAT functions, as they may find themselves in a variety of dangerous situations in a moment’s notice.
The SWAT team responds to an array of missions, some of which are:
· Assisting the Drug Enforcement Unit in serving high risk search warrants, when the suspects may be heavily armed and the location fortified.
· Barricaded armed subjects
· Hostage incidents
· Manhunts for armed fugitives
· Escorts of dangerous prisoners
The ability and willingness of the SWAT Team members, the specialized equipment provided, and the continuous support from the Command Staff allow the Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team to be a Premier Unit serving a Premier Agency.
Thank you for taking time to visit our webpage and be sure to check back frequently for updated information.
Captain David Faircloth
