Snipers Certified
By: Danielle Krout
Updated: June 16, 2012
JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY--- Several members of the Cambria County Special Emergency Response Team were certified Friday as sniper shooters. They participated in a week long training exercise that comprised of 44 hours both in and out of the classroom.
'We shoot 500 yards and beyond," said Portage Borough Police Chief Ed Miller.
Miller, a county SERT member said getting the certification is a requirement.
"It's apart of the national requirements for sniper shooters," said Miller.
The five day course was held for the first time locally at the new FOP Lodge in Johnstown.
"With budgets tights for everyone we were glad this was an option for us," said Richland Township Police Sergeant Michael Burgan. "I went to get certified as an instructor that way I am able to teach the course and it saves the departments and county money."
In 2011, the county SERT team was activated about ten times to emergency situations, it includes standoffs, shootings, and even major events such as the G20 Summit and Presidential visits during the 9/11 anniversary.
Snipers have to train at least twice a month to maintain their certification.
'We shoot 500 yards and beyond," said Portage Borough Police Chief Ed Miller.
Miller, a county SERT member said getting the certification is a requirement.
"It's apart of the national requirements for sniper shooters," said Miller.
The five day course was held for the first time locally at the new FOP Lodge in Johnstown.
"With budgets tights for everyone we were glad this was an option for us," said Richland Township Police Sergeant Michael Burgan. "I went to get certified as an instructor that way I am able to teach the course and it saves the departments and county money."
In 2011, the county SERT team was activated about ten times to emergency situations, it includes standoffs, shootings, and even major events such as the G20 Summit and Presidential visits during the 9/11 anniversary.
Snipers have to train at least twice a month to maintain their certification.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.