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Hello and welcome to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics web page. My name is Lieutenant Fred Chisholm and I am the current SWAT Commander. I began my career with the Sheriff's Office in1995 as a patrol deputy, and worked my way through the ranks to my current position. Along the way, I served the agency in the capacity of bike unit member, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, District Commander, and Bike Patrol Commander and to my current position as the North Marion District Commander/SWAT Commander. I have been a member of the SWAT team since 1999 and was appointed as the SWAT Commander in July of 2009.
I served 20 years in the Army Reserves and retired from the reserves in 2007 as a Master Sergeant. During my 20-year career with the Army Reserves, I served in the first Gulf War as the Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist from 1990-1991, from 1997-1998 I served in Bosnia as a Military Police Squad Leader, and from 2003-2004 I served in Iraq as the company First Sergeant for the 351st Military Police Company.
Sheriff Don Moreland first established the Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team in 1976. 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 must attend a Basic SWAT School 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:
- Barricaded armed subjects
- Hostage incidents
- Manhunts for armed fugitives
- Escorts of dangerous prisoners
- Sniper Situations
- Dignitary Protection
- Civil Disturbance
- Search & Arrest Warrants
- Armed Suspect
- Narcotics Raids
- Anti Terrorism
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.
Lieutenant Fred Chisholm
SWAT Commander
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