Red River Valley SWAT Part 2: On Call 24/7

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The work never stops for the Red River Valley SWAT team members.

So what is it like for the people risking their lives in the face of danger?

For SWAT member Bill Ahlfeldt he says,”This job is a calling. Not only being on a swat team but being a police officer.”

Ahlfeldt has taken on the responsibility of being a member of the Red River Valley SWAT team for 12 years.

He’s gone on missions all across Minnesota and North Dakota.

“You’re on call 24/7,” said Ahlfeldt.

Locally, he’s been to both shooter situations in a Moorhead garage and in a Fargo apartment for alleged murderer Ashley Hunter.

Becoming a SWAT member takes a little more work than the average police officer.

“You have the time to train, you’re given time to train. Not that our officers on the street don’t. Our officers on the street train a lot. But we train more,”said Ahlfeldt.

There’s a first for the SWAT team this year…. two women have now joined the team.

When asked if he’s fine with women being on the team, Ahlfeldt said,”If anyone can pass our physical fitness standards, and our process they definitely deserve a spot on our team.”

But what does it take to be a SWAT member?

First off, you must have at least two years as a police officer.

When it comes to testing, you need impeccable marksmanship, physical fitness and decision making.

And according to the SWAT commander, you are not asked for 80 percent or even 90 percent.

SWAT Commander Lt. Ross Renner said, “We don’t put a number on it. It’s important that you give us your full attention, you give us everything you have on these things so we make sure that we operate as safely and efficiently as we can.”

It’s a thinking person’s game.

Before missions, SWAT leader Ahlfeldt says the room is quiet as everyone prepares for the hostile situations they could face.

And it’s not much different out in the field.

“You stay calm…you go back on your training,” said Ahlfeldt.

And knowing your team is even more important.

“They don’t need to talk. I know what they’re going to do inside the building without even asking them,”said Ahlfeldt.

They act quickly…ready for any circumstance.

“I know that I can just give them a mission and they’ll go off and take care of it,” said Lt. Renner.

Each member has the same goal….to protect and serve…. and make sure the mission gets done.