SERT

Cambria Count SERT Team is a support unit made up of personnel throughout the entire County. SERT stands for Special Emergency Response Team. This specialized team is needed to respond to situations which require equipment and trained tactics which are beyond patrols capabilities. SERT responds to on average 100 missions a year.

These include Barricaded Individuals, Hostage Rescue, Dignitary Protection, Surveillance, High Risk Warrant Service, Counter Terrorism, Tactical Support to high attendance events such as Thunder in the Valley, and Tactical Support to Local/State/Federal Agencies. Team is divided into Command, Entry, Long Rifle, TEMS (Tactical Emergency Medical Services) and Negotiations.

The goal of the SERT is to save lives, and officers within the unit routinely go above and beyond to accomplish their objective. SERT is dedicated to a high level of professionalism through constant and realistic training. Officers are trained through and hold certifications from the National Tactical Officers Association and Pennsylvania Tactical Officers Association. Several Officers on the team are certified instructors in a multitude of subjects. Officers must maintain a consistent and elevated level of proficiency with all weapons platforms. In addition officers have a high degree of competence with myriad of high tech equipment.

In 2013, Region 13 assisted in the purchasing of a Lenco BearCat. The tactical armored vehicle is outfitted with rifle-resistant armor. The armor is applied to the roof and floor which provides enhanced blast and fragmentation protection. Ballistic glass windows also offer multi-hit defeat. BearCat protects access and egress of officers who go in as a part of rescue parties, or allow officers to safely enter a scene- delivering the team safely to and from a location.

Early in 2014 SERT welcomed Tactical Dispatchers to the Command Staff. These Dispatchers, hand picked for their expertise from the ranks of Department of Emergency Services, operate the Mobile Command Post at all SERT callouts. Currently Cambria County SERT is the only team in Western Pennsylvania to have TDs integrated into a tactical team.

The team fosters positive interaction with children by attending numerous community events each year.