Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Provides Mutual Aid with Tactical Team Response to VA Tech Tragedy

Sheriff Octavia Johnson deployed the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Tactical Team to support the Virginia Tech Police Department and responding agencies in response to the horrific events that occurred on Monday, April 16, 2007.

Thirteen tactical team members under the direction of Lt. James Ferguson, arrived on the scene at approximately 13:15 hrs. After reporting to the Incident Command Center, the team was briefed and given orders. The assigned duties included clearing buildings, searching for explosive devices and seeking out possible students who may have hidden in buildings during the attack. Tactical team members also provided perimeter security around Norris Hall.

Recognizing the seriousness of the tragedy members of the team were focused and performed their duties in a strategic manner. When responding to dangerous and tragic events professional training takes over and guides actions. The entire team performed their duties in a professional and efficient manner. At 18:30 hrs State Police Officers relieved the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Tactical Team.

When asked about the psychological impact it may have had on the team, Lt. Ferguson responded, "Team members were not exposed to the shock and trauma that many first responders experienced. We could not prevent the shooting but the fact that we were able to do something to be of assistance has given us a sense of goodwill."

Counseling was offered and available on site at VA Tech. However, no one in the group utilized the services. Open channels are being maintained to ensure the well being of each member who participated.