Texas Firearms Festival Hosts Central Texas SWAT Team Challenge
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) October 12, 2016 -- Organizers of the largest firearms festival in North America are giving the public a rare opportunity to see law enforcement tactical teams in action with its “Blue Sunday Salute to Law Enforcement” at this weekend’s Texas Firearms Festival in Liberty Hill.
The three-day event begins Friday afternoon, October 14, with a VIP “Full Auto Friday,” with general admission to the event beginning Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. A portion of proceeds from the “Blue Sunday” tickets will benefit Veteran Outdoors and The 100 Club of Central Texas.
On Sunday, local law enforcement will be honored with a noon ceremony led by Williamson County Commissioner Pct. 3 Bill Graval and Sheriff-elect Robert Chody.
The Central Texas SWAT Team Challenge begins at 3:30 p.m. Specially organized and trained police officers from throughout Central Texas will compete against each other in a tactical rifle competition organized by ATX Precision & Carbine and Special Operations veteran Clay Hergert. The unique competition, sponsored by Colt Competition Rifles, will showcase local law enforcement while giving spectators an up-close-and-personal look at the capabilities and skill sets of these talented participants.
Participating teams and individuals include:
• Austin Police Department
• Round Rock Police Department SWAT team
• Central Texas Regional SWAT team
• Bexar County Sheriff SWAT team
• San Antonio Police Department SWAT team
• San Marcos Police Department
• Bee County Sheriff SWAT team
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Game Warden SCOUT team
As with all activities during the three-day festival, Range Safety Officers will observe the competition from start to finish.
Festival CEO Michelle Felkins said the SWAT team challenge and the day’s other scheduled events, while fun for participants and spectators alike, will also give the general public a rare glimpse into the training and abilities of these tactical teams as they enter life-threatening situations.
“There’s a reason most of us haven’t seen SWAT teams in action; it’s too dangerous for the public to observe and law enforcement has to minimize distractions to do its job,” Felkins said. “I believe attendees who come to watch these events on Sunday will walk away with a new appreciation and respect for these men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us, as well as for the skills and tools they need to do it.”
A precision marksman will initiate the event with a shot on both a static and moving target, followed by a mechanical door breach. The operators will then "make entry" and head up the course to take out their final set of 10 targets. The winning team will be determined by fastest overall time and will earn Colt Competition CRX-16 Gen2 16” Marksman 5.56x45mm rifles.
All shooter and non-shooter admission ticket holders can attend the Blue Sunday activities. VIP ticket holders gain earlier access into the festival each day at 9 a.m., and can also attend a separate “Full Auto Friday” event on October 14 that features automatic weapons.
The 100 Club of Central Texas and Veterans Outdoors are both 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organizations. The 100 Club provides immediate financial and emotional assistance to injured or killed first responders and their families in Bastrop, Bell, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. The organization also recognizes and honors K-9 and mounted patrol units.
Veteran Outdoors utilizes the therapeutic effects of outdoor activities by providing quality hunting, fishing and outdoor related activities to our nation’s wounded men and women, and provides a platform for veterans to tell their stories, in their own words.
Thomas Graham, Crosswind Media & Public Relations, http://www.electrolubesurgical.com/, +1 (512) 294-7111, [email protected]
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