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 established its first SWAT Team in 1976, consisting of 5 members. This specialized unit within the Watch Command Bureau has evolved into a highly trained and well equipped group of professionals, willing to answer the call in the most dangerous of situations.  The team now consists of 20 Members and a Logistics Officer.  The Team, led by SWAT Commander Captain David Faircloth and Assistant Commander Lieutenant Fred Chisholm, is compromised of two Squads and a Sniper element.  Each squad has a squad leader, an assistant squad leader, a scout, a grenadier, three operators and two snipers. 

To become a member of the SWAT Team, individuals must have at least one year of employment as a Deputy Sheriff with Marion County, and must pass a physical exertion test, a firearms proficiency test and an oral board.  Persons chosen to serve on the team are sent to a Basic SWAT School(s) offered around the state of Florida.  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 broad variety of dangerous situations in a moment’s notice. 
In 2006, the SWAT Team executed 17 search warrants, responded to 10 high risk incidents, and participated in 22 demonstrations for the community.  The ability and willingness that the SWAT Team possesses, the superior 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.