New Northeast Regional Montana SWAT Team Focused On Certification

Donations from local businesses have helped give a boost to the Northeast Regional Montana SWAT Team. Deputy Reed Mesman explained that the goal to raise $8,000 for training hasn't been reached yet, but donations have helped.

First Community Bank donated $2,500 toward the cause on Monday, July 21, giving close to a third of what was needed. Other donations have come in from Hi-Line Ford, Farm Equipment Sales and Border Plains Equipment (formerly Glasgow Implement). The donations are going for a training tentatively scheduled for October. The funds will help cover the instructors for the new SWAT team.

The task force just got off the ground earlier this year and this training would be one of the last steps to get the team state certified and ready to be fully functional. Glasgow will be hosting the event, with Cottonwood Inn donating rooms for the instructors during their stay.

"We're trying to help offset the costs of professional instructors," Mesman said. "We're very appreciative for the help from local businesses and are still looking to reach our goal of $8,000."

Danielle Anderson of First Community Bank explained that the bank saw a need for the SWAT team:"We think it's a worthwhile project and it supports law enforcement and the community."

The Northeast Regional Montana SWAT team includes 10 law enforcement agencies in Northeast Montana, including Valley County. The agencies would be the closest responders in a situation with a hostage situation, or in special operations. Other responders are as far as Billings or Great Falls.