Contact:
John Pilger
Adam Levermore-Rich
(408) 730-7535
October 6, 2003
Release # 10 02

SUNNYVALE PUBLIC SAFETY TAKES TOP HONORS IN ANNUAL SWAT COMPETITION

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety took “First Place – Overall Team” honors at the annual “Best in the West” competition hosted by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department. This marks the sixth first-place win for Sunnyvale in the competition of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) law enforcement officers.

The Best in the West competition is a combination of individual and team events that test physical condition, marksmanship and tactics. Sunnyvale’s first-place win this year comes on top of a history of similar victories dating back to 1995. In addition to the overall team win, Sunnyvale public safety officers took top honors in the physical challenge event, a grueling obstacle course, as well as the Jungle Trail, which combines an obstacle course with marksmanship events.

This year’s Best in the West attracted teams from throughout California. Under the leadership of Officer in Charge Lt. Doug Sims, Public Safety Officers Bill Honsal,

Binnie Mata, Tim Sartwell, Scott McDowell, Regan Williams and Donald Discher completed the team.