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April 5, 2005
Colleyville's Third Citizen's Police Academy Meets the Tactical Team and Bomb Squad

Jamie Thibodeaux peers through one of the Grapevine Tactical Squad's Shields. Click on photos to enlarge

Eighteen Colleyville residents signed up for the 12 week course conducted at the Colleyville Justice Center.  This is the largest of the three classes that have been conducted to date. Officer Bill Hudgins, Colleyville Police Department, is the coordinator of the instructional course.  The program takes the students through every aspect of police work and provides a unique opportunity to meet most of the city's police force one on one (much more fun that on a traffic stop for speeding)! Hudgins announced that the classes plan an alumni association that will meet and work with the police on many levels.  Hudgins said that he is working on a COP or Citizens on Patrol program as the next level for the CAP graduates.  If you would like information on a future academy, Click Here to email Officer Hudgins.

One of the recent programs was conducted by Colleyville's three SROs or School Resource Officers.  Officer Cheryl Ingalsbe (top left) and Officer Jeff Wheeler (top right) are assigned to local elementary schools.  Corporal Gary Moore (on left) is assigned to Colleyville Heritage High School. The officers not only provide safety for children but conduct various programs, including the DARE program at the schools.

On March 31st, the Grapevine Tactical Response Team and the Northeast Tarrant County Bomb Squad instructed the Police Academy class on various equipment, responses and fielded questions from the group. 

Detective Richard Weber of the Grapevine Tactical squad is a certified sniper.  On the right Weber displays some of his arsenal used in his dangerous job.

Officer Jim Van Duzee, (far left), is an expert in quick entry into buildings and the utilization of resources such as flash bang grenades and gas. On the other hand, Officer Bobby Smith (left) is typically the first officer into the structure to face down any problems.

Battalion Chief Charles Goggans discusses the new robot with the class.

The Bomb Squad displayed some of the equipment necessary when facing a threat.

Chief Goggans is with the Northeast Tarrant Bomb Squad through his North Richland Hills Police Department

Captain Bill Crawford of the Bomb Squad operates the robot, Crawford is with the Watauga Police Department.

Sergeant Ron Hudson (on left above), in charge of the Grapevine Tactical Squad, discusses the class with Colleyville's Officer Bill Hudgins.  Hudson was in charge of the recent standoff in Grapevine where the couple beat up their houseguests, then held up in the home's attic.  The suspects have been charged with Attempted Capital Murder.	Mike Muhm of Colleyville displays one of the Squad's protective vests. (Possibly, Mike if there is a real threat, you may want to cover the left side as well!)
	The Tactical Squad's equipment is impressive above.  On left, LNO's Editor Nelson Thibodeaux points out  you have to be in shape just to pick up the shield, much less walk with it!

This year's class has three more sessions prior to graduation.  Next week is a chance to meet the Chief of Police and the narcotics squad.  If interested in future classes, contact Colleyville Police Officer Bill Hudgins.