HENRY COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
Eleven students from across the state of Alabama gathered this week at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Training Center for the Alabama Tactical Officers Association (ATOA) Basic Tactical Operators Course.
Each student was awarded a scholarship through ATOA, allowing them to attend the intensive training completely free of charge, including lodging during the week-long program.
Over the course of more than 40 hours of continuous instruction from four experienced instructors, participants completed rigorous training covering a wide range of tactical skills. The course included small unit close-quarters battle (CQB) tactics, firearm proficiency, and specialized training involving distraction devices and chemical munitions. Students also earned certifications through Combined Tactical Systems (CTS) in both distraction device deployment and chemical munitions.
The training was made possible through the leadership of Eric Blankenship and the deputies of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, who provided high-level instruction throughout the course.
Officials also credited the program’s sponsors for helping make the training possible by providing equipment and resources for the students to use during the course. Many of the tools and skills gained during the week will now be taken back to the participants’ home agencies to enhance operations in their own communities.
