Central Region Emergency Response Team
| Central Region Emergency Response Team | |
|---|---|
| Active | Late 1990s–Present |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Type | Police Tactical Unit |
| Role | |
| Part of | The Police Departments of Bristol, Plainville, Southington and Plymouth |
| Motto | " Una Stamus " " Together, United " |
| Abbreviation | CRERT |
| Structure | |
| Emergency Team Members | 17 |
| Stations | 4 |
| Commanders | |
| Notables | |
| Significant operation(s) | Bristol, Connecticut police killings |
| Awards | National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame Courage in Service Award |
| Equipment | |
| Website | |
The Central Region Emergency Response Team (CRERT) is a Regional SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team operating in the state of Connecticut, United States. Comprised of dedicated officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bristol Police, Southington Police, Plainville Police, and Plymouth Police.[1] Similar to other SWAT teams, CRERT specializes in handling high-risk situations that require a specialized skill set and equipment.
History
The Central Region Emergency Response Team was established by the Bristol, Plainville, Southington and Plymouth [1] Police Departments in the late 1990s after Bristol Police officer John Riley was shot and nearly killed. In the aftermath, it was determined that the agency needed a highly trained and specialized team of officers who could quickly respond to incidents that posed a high risk to life.
Later, the Emergency Response Team was intended for the member-agencies to work together and provide a highly-trained & skilled tactical team to use as a resource when assistance for a critical incident is needed. As an inter-agency collaboration, CRERT embodies cooperation and mutual support among law enforcement agencies in the Region. The team's members undergo training in tactical operations[2], hostage rescue, crisis negotiation[3]
The Central Region Emergency Response Team regularly competes in the CT SWAT Challenge that is annually held in August. The Team’s achievements in the challenge have been in 2019 and 2022, when their capabilities shined as they were able to defeat the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment[4], a renowned special operations force known for expertise in direct action missions, special reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism operations.
Dick's Sporting Goods Standoff
On December 28, 2018, the team responded to Dick’s, 282 New Britain Ave., at around 2:45 p.m. for reports of an armed man inside. The man appeared to have a gun but did not aim at anyone. The Central Region Emergency Response Team was activated and the team then moved to contain the gunman in a loading dock behind the Dick's Sporting Goods. The team then moved to apprehend the suspect, deploying a beanbag shotgun on the gunman and disabling him, ending the 3-hour standoff.[5]
Resources
Vehicles
The Central Region Emergency Response Team operates a variety of vehicles, primarily their M-ATV and their Lenco BearCat. CRERT has also been seen utilizing unmarked vehicles such as Chevrolet Tahoes, and Ford Vans.
Firearms
Along with other SWAT teams in the United States, the Central Region Emergency Response Team's current primary platform is AR-15 style rifles[6][7] though rifles such as the Hk. 53 have been seen in use[6], most likely surplus from the team's first years of inception. The team's sidearm weapons have primarily been Glock pistols with mounted Trijicon RMRs. [6]
The Bristol, Connecticut police killings
On October 12, 2022, Bristol police officers Alex Hamzy, Dustin DeMonte and Alec Iurato were fired upon by Nicholas Brutcher while responding to a 911 call of a domestic dispute. Alex Hamzy and Dustin Demonte were both killed by Brutcher when he opened fire from behind the officers using his AR-15. The Central Region Emergency Response Team was activated after Officer Iurato shot and killed the suspect. The Emergency Response Team shortly arrived to clear the scene. Both Iurato and Hamzy served on the Central Region Emergency Response Team[8]
Notable officers
Alex A. Hamzy: Slain Bristol Police officer who was shot and killed in an ambush, he was also an ERT member and was selected for the Central Region Emergency Response Team in 2021.[9]
Alec Iurato: Bristol Police officer and Central Region Emergency Response Team member[8] who was injured during the ambush Alex Hamzy and Dustin Demonte were in. Iurato retreated to a police cruiser where he then returned fire, striking and killing the suspect. He was later inducted into the Law Enforcement hall of fame.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Emergency Response Team (ERT)". Southington Police Department. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ↑ Fortuna, Angela (2023-06-03). "SWAT team called to Southington home for reported disturbance". NBC Connecticut. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ↑ Dempsey, Christine (2023-05-25). "Police: Armed with a shotgun, Plainville man had baby with him and threatened to kill family member". GreenwichTime. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ↑ "CT SWAT Challenge 2019 Results" (PDF).
- ↑ Group, Sinclair Broadcast (2018-12-28). "Police end barricade situation at Dick's Sporting Goods in Connecticut". KATV. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 SWAT Challenge Training 1 Montage, retrieved 2023-07-15
- ↑ GBRS Group SWAT Training, retrieved 2023-07-15
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Here's what we know of the 2 fallen Bristol police officers". fox61.com. October 13, 2022. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ↑ Tien, Caroline (2022-10-18). "Slain Bristol officer Alex Hamzy described as 'one in a million' in obituary". CT Insider. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
- ↑ Tien, Caroline (2023-04-01). "'Truly heroic' Bristol officer who killed ambush suspect inducted into hall of fame". CT Insider. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
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