ACHIEVEMENTS

Trauma Medic Kits, Rifle Plate Vests and Breaching Kits

The Great Falls Police Community Foundation funded the purchase of equipment for all of the SRO’s to enhance their efforts to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens in case of a attack.

The detectives/ SRO’s face many incidents that require fast action. From incidents such as assaults, vandalism, narcotics and tobacco concerns, these equipment purchases will them defend out schools.
 

Negotiation equipment FOR THE GFPD HIGH RISK UNIT (HRU)

The Great Falls Police Community Foundation purchased negotiation equipment for the High Risk Unit.  The High Risk Unit encounters very difficult and hazardous situations. Officers discovered that the old communication means failed to work properly in situations where the suspect has barricaded themselves inside a building, creating additional challenges and hazards. With this new equipment, our officers can deliver and communicate with suspects with hopes of a more peaceful resolution to a HRU situation.

The High Risk Unit (HRU) is part of the total crisis management team that is specially trained and equipped to handle high risk situations upon activation from their normal assignments. The team is comprised of entry team members, negotiators, observer-snipers, and medics. Officers who wish to be part of this team must pass rigorous mental and physical agility testing.

DRONES and Certification of Drone Pilots

The Great Falls Police Community Foundation purchased several drones that are used to help search the surrounding rivers and open spaces for victims and suspects . The drones are used to enter a building in an HRU situation, minimizing risk to our officers. Drones are also used for evidentiary situations such as vehicle accidents. The drones must be used by only certified pilots, so the Foundation has paid to certify Officers in that role.

HONOR GUARD UNIFORMS and Equipment

The Great Falls Police Community Foundation purchased Honor Guard Uniforms for each of its members. Prior to the GFPCF donation, officers would wear their dress uniforms with white ascots and gloves to ceremonies.

Although the formation of the Great Falls Police Department Honor Guard was discussed over many years, it took a tragic event to provide the impetus and ultimate motivation to see it created.

On February 6th, 2007, while en-route to Bozeman to pick up a patient, the Benefis Hospital Mercy Flight fixed wing aircraft crashed. All three crew-members were killed:

The decision was made to form the GFPD Honor Guard to give proper recognition to these individuals and their loved ones. Officer John Green, a former Marine with Honor Guard experience, volunteered his expertise in instructing raw recruits in the art of precision drill.

The honor guard has become a regular fixture in Great Falls, making itself available for presentation of colors at community functions, ceremonial courtesy and, of course, rifle salutes at appropriate funeral and memorial services.

TRAUMA KITS FOR THE GFPD’S MARKED AND UNMARKED VEHICLES

The Great Falls Police Community Foundation funded the purchase of Trauma kits for all of the GFPD’s marked and unmarked vehicles. The trauma kits are not your typical first aid kits. These trauma kits will be used for extreme emergency situations, such as an officer being shot. Each kit is housed inside the cabin of the car for quick and easy access.
 
The kit contains the following items: 1 pouch, a CAT tourniquet, chest seal ( 2 pack), 6″ pressure dressing, a set of EMT shears and a pair of gloves. These trauma kits are strategically positioned allowing instant access for officers who have been shot, greatly improving their chance of survival.

SPOUSAL PEER SUPPORT TRAINING

The Great Falls Police Community Foundation’s goal is to support our Officers in any situation. This includes support at home. The Foundation funded a training program for Officer Spouses to form a Peer Support Group for Spouses of Officers. They rely on each other in day to day efforts, as well as Crisis Situations.