Category Training Show all
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SORT Medic Graduation
By Jay Olson
Eighteen (18) Tactical Medics graduated from the 40-hour Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course that was conducted at Central Office from January 22 to 26.
EMS Instructors from the Hennepin County Medical Center – EMS Education / TEMPO Program conducted the training, which included instruction in Airway Management, Behavioral Emergencies, Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR, Medical Emergencies, Wound Care Management, Trauma, and Toxicology. The training is consistent and compliant with requirements of the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Response Board. HCMC Lead Instructor Mark Cusick stated that the “DOC Medics had the highest overall point score of any class that has completed this program."
SORT Academy Coordinator Lt. Karl Krippner and OSI Director John Melvin were on hand during the graduation ceremony to provide congratulatory remarks. OSI Director Melvin stated that “this training ensures that all DOC Medics are uniformly trained, using national standard tactics and techniques."
Graduates included, Connor Borash (SCL), Mike Brown (STW), Mike Goodhart (LL), Chris Gullickson (LL), Timothy Hansen (RC), Eric Haskamp (SHK), Jay Kopel (SCL), Jason Koshiol (SCL), Brandon Leatherberry (ML), Austin Lipphardt (RW), Frank McGraw (OPH), Samuel Moore (STW), Timothy Pirila (ML), Nicole Riemenschneider (STW), William Schmidt (SHK), Zina Siruk (OPH), Shanon Stitt (SHK), and Justin Watrin (RC).
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SORT Baton Instructor-Basic Course Held
By Jay Olson
On January 11th, eight Special Operations Response Team members graduated from the 16-hour Baton Instructor - Basic Course that was conducted at MCF-Stillwater.
The 16-hour course curriculum included policy & procedure, program review, coaching/instructional techniques, and training ground management. In addition, the Office of Professional Accountability presented on the Use of Force investigate process.
Captains Lisa Connors (OPH), Mike Pavlich (STW), and Amanda Hofer (STW) were on hand to assist with the graduation ceremony and to provide congratulatory remarks. Captain Pavlich thanked the new instructors and stated that he is “always appreciative of the hard work and professionalism of DOC SORT."
New Instructors: William Blossom (ML), Casey Ciffra (FRB), Adam Figi (RW), Mike McCorkel (OPH), Scott Roemer (OPH), Cade Stang (SCL), Andrew Sunder (FRB) and Nathan Wegman (FRB).
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Emergency Response Team Annual Training Held
By Jay S. Olson
The annual Emergency Response Team training was conducted at Camp Ripley the week of August 21. According to OSI Director John Melvin “this annual training event is vital to ensure operational readiness and cross-functional interoperability. This year we focused on negotiation and diffusion."
On Tuesday afternoon, Special Agent Michelle Frascone presented on the role and responsibilities of the BCA during the investigative process of critical incidents.
For the first time, the Incident Management Team was incorporated into the training to ensure concept of operations, and to ensure that the IMT is better positioned to provide support to the ERT during extended activations.
The Ohio DOC had two of their Special Tactics and Response Team (STAR) members present the entire week to observe our practices. The Ohio STAR members repeatedly commented on how impressed they were with the capabilities of our ERT, and the hospitality provided by the MN DOC. They also commented on how well designed and managed our training activities were.
