Special Response Team (SRT)

Captain Thomas Koehnlein

Since its inception in 2002, the Jefferson County Special Response Team (SRT) has provided a select group of law enforcement officers who train and specialize in several critical areas, including high-risk warrant service, active shooter containment, hostage negotiation, and the extraction of barricaded suspects. In addition to law enforcement operations, the SRT also provides services to the general public, such as threat assessments for schools, businesses, public events, and churches, as well as basic first-aid training.

The SRT is a multi-jurisdictional team, serving all townships and municipalities within Jefferson County when called upon. The team also assists neighboring jurisdictions, including Harrison County and Weirton, West Virginia, as the need arises. Members of the SRT are not compensated and volunteer their time to train and carry out missions.

The team consists of 24 operators: one Commander, one Assistant Commander, two Team Leaders, two Assistant Team Leaders, and 18 general operators. Several members hold complementary certifications, including Firearms Qualifier, Sniper, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and CPR Instructor. These certifications provide the SRT with a well-rounded and unique set of operational resources.

Team members come from multiple agencies, including the Steubenville Police Department, Toronto Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. All members are deputized through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, allowing them to lawfully carry out duties throughout Jefferson County. Additionally, the TEMS Joint Ambulance District provides tactical medical support to the team, ensuring an Advanced Life Support ambulance is available when needed most.