05/24/2026
Five of Constable Oscar Mendoza Jr.’s deputies attended the 6-day Valor Basic SWAT 1 course conducted by Valor Law Enforcement Training this past week.
The SWAT candidates received intensive training in structural approaches, breaching tactics and methods, use of breaching tools, team movement, tactical communication, role development, team leadership, weapon handling, gear selection, room entry tactics, and close-quarters weapon manipulation. Training also included hallway movement, use of cover and angles both inside and outside structures, and proper room domination utilizing team movement, speed, surprise, and violence of action.
Deputies were further trained in the proper deployment and use of ballistic shields, flash bangs, and CS gas during CQB operations, along with problem-solving tactical dilemmas in close-quarters environments. Additional instruction included use of gas masks, tactical fi****ms, low-light/no-light shooting drills, shooting principles with ballistic shields, drills while operating in gas masks, officer-down rescues, vehicle assaults, bus assaults, and coordinated teamwork while responding to an active attack scenario aboard a school bus.
And let’s not forget the voluntary CS gas exposure.
With the successful completion of this course, the agency now has seven SWAT-certified deputies.
We are truly proud of all of our deputies for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving our community. We will continue to ensure our deputies receive the highest level of training to better serve and protect the community day in and day out.
We have also included photos and videos from the training so our community can see firsthand the hard work, dedication, and preparation our deputies put in to better serve and protect the citizens of our community.
