‘More than just a competition’: SWAT teams from around the world compete in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — More than 40 SWAT teams from around the world are in Orange County this week for SWAT Round-Up International.

Organizers described the event as “an opportunity for operators across the globe to come together as one to learn from each other.”

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The event features training, competition and a vendor show.

The training and education program is a vital component of the SWAT Round-Up International experience, organizers said.

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“SWAT Round-up is more than just a competition,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. “It’s about the great training that’s out here. It’s about the comradery with the other teams. These are the men and women that respond to some of the most dangerous situations. You want them training and competing in a high-stress, high-pressure situation so when they get to that real-life situation, at least they would have felt that adrenaline and know how to react in those situations.”

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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Orlando Police Department will compete in the event.

“If you can come into this event and run fast, shoot straight, make minimal mistakes, if any, you can be a winner,” said Chris Ecklund, president of the Florida SWAT Association.

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