Last week, patrol deputies from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office spent three days in Midway, Florida participating in a Tactical Carbine Operator Course.

The Talon training group, who offers training classes for small groups, offered the course. The course consisted of live weapon fire drills, force on force training, training in a tactical shoot house and classroom instruction.

DSCO felt like with the increase of mass shootings across the United States they needed more practice using a patrol rifle, which is why they chose this program.

The instructors of the course tested the deputies in vehicles and buildings using airsoft simmunitions (simulated ammunition). They would fire less lethal rounds on the deputies for practice, so they would know what to do in the event of a mass-firing situation.

Chief Deputy Wendell Cofer said the deputies came back from the course saying it was some of the best training they’ve had in four-five years. Cofer said it was specifically some of the best force on force training they’ve had.

Because of the success these deputies had, DSCO plans to send eight more officers to the training course in the coming months.