Special Response Team

The City of Ashland staffs a part time tactical team comprised of Law Enforcement Officers and Paramedics from the Ashland Police Division, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Loudonville Police Department and the Mifflin Fire Department. Team operators are trained to respond and contain threats posed to the residents of Ashland County that may be outside the resources of the average patrol element. These high-risk incidents may include serving dangerous search or arrest warrants, conducting surveillance, diffusing situations involving armed or emotionally disturbed subjects and hostage scenarios.

The multi-jurisdictional team is led by Team Leader Captain David Lay and Assistant Team Leader Sergeant Jerry Bloodhart.  Other personnel assigned include Sergeant Garry Alting and Patrol Officer Brian Kunzen. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office has appointed Deputies Andy Kuscsik and Cody Mager. The Loudonville Police Department assigns Patrol Officer Micah Morrison. The Mifflin Fire Department sponsors Randy Jackenheimer, J. J. Bittinger and Kevin Rosser as tactical medics for the team.

The Special Response Team conducted eight tactical operations during 2010. These operations stemmed from investigations initiated by the Ashland Police Division and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. They included four search warrants for narcotics, two barricaded subjects, one area search, and one hostage incident. The team assisted patrol and investigative units in the seizure of heroin, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash while making ten arrests during the actions.