The Lethbridge Police Service celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Tactical Team on the weekend. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge Police Tactical Team celebrates 50th anniversary

Jun 17, 2024 | 7:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Tactical Team on the weekend.

The unit was created in 1974 when Chief Ralph Michelson authorized the creation of a Special Weapons and Tactics Sniper Team to respond to “hostage, armed and dangerous situations.”

Originally, the team had five members: Glen Michelson, Frank Bathgate, Len Kolpak, Bill Plomp and Norm Whelpley. Now, the Tactical Team is part of the LPS Critical Incident Unit, which includes the Explosive Disposal Unit, Crisis Negotiators, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit, Scribes and Incident Commanders.

The current team has 17 members, including the team’s commander Sgt. Denton Michelson, the great nephew of Glen Michelson, who was the original team’s commander.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, current and former members of the team met up for a reunion to reminisce, and to show the new technology and equipment to the retired members of the unit.

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Tactical Team members all give their time to the unit on top of full-time roles in other units throughout the Police Service. Joining the team involves a rigorous day of extensive physical testing, and the candidates are selected based on decision-making, teamwork, weapons proficiency and integrity.

Members go on to receive specialized training in firearms, less-lethal weapon systems, driving tactics, operation of remote camera systems, chemical agents, First Aid and other areas of tactical operations.

The Tactical Team is called out during high-risk incidents, including calls involving weapons, high-risk search warrants, hostage-takings and more.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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