Area Law Enforcement Agencies Jointly Recognized as SWAT team of the Year

Portage, Waupaca, Marathon Counties (WFHR, WIRI, WXCO)

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, tactical teams in our surrounding area received the SWAT Team of the Year award. Members are from Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Stevens Point/Plover Police Departments, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office. The SWAT Team of the Year is awarded by the Wisconsin Association of SWAT Personnel (ASP) at their annual conference.

Incident

The award was given for their response to an armed and barricaded subject in the Village of Amherst, WI in July 2024. The incident began when a Sauk County deputy attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop in Sauk County and a pursuit ensued. The suspect crashed and immediately fired several shots at the pursuing deputy before running into a wooded area. The deputy was injured by the gunfire and the suspect escaped. Days later, investigators developed information that the suspect was being harbored at a residence in the Village of Amherst, Portage County.

Stand Off

The Portage County Special Response Team (SRT), Stevens Point/Plover Police SWAT, Marathon County SWAT and Waupaca County SWAT responded in an attempt to peacefully and safely execute an arrest warrant of the suspect. The suspect refused to surrender and fired many rounds at law enforcement.

After a stand-off that spanned nearly 26 hours, the subject was found in the attic, deceased. No innocent citizens, officers, fire fighters, or EMS personnel were injured during this incident.

Members of all four tactical teams relied on their extensive training and experience. They worked as one cohesive unit, under extremely challenging conditions, to safely resolve the incident. These actions earned them this prestigious and well-deserved award.