Northern Kentucky SWAT

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If you haven’t purchased your raffle tickets yet, there’s still time—but not much. Get your tickets now for a chance to win while supporting NKY SWAT and our mission.

Thank you for your continued support, and good luck to everyone participating! 🎟️

Today, we proudly celebrate Flag Day and honor the symbol that represents the freedoms, sacrifices, and unity of our nation. 🇺🇸

The American flag stands as a reminder of the courage of those who came before us, the service of those who continue to protect our communities and country, and the values that unite us as Americans.

May we never take for granted the liberties it represents or the men and women who have defended it throughout our nation’s history.

God Bless the United States of America, and God Bless the Red, White, and Blue. 🇺🇸

🔥 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐮𝐧 🔥

Earlier this week, members of Northern Kentucky Special Weapons and Tactics (NKY SWAT), alongside officers from throughout Northern Kentucky, proudly participated in the annual Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Kentucky.

This longstanding tradition brings together law enforcement agencies from across our region to raise awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes and the incredible achievements they accomplish every day.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped support such an outstanding cause and organization.

Sheriff Mike Jansen, the Chief Executive Officer of Northern Kentucky Special Weapons and Tactics, Inc., has announced that the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) assisted the Erlanger Police Department on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during a critical incident.

After more than seven hours of negotiations, CNU members worked diligently alongside responding personnel to help bring the situation to a safe and successful resolution. We are proud of the professionalism, patience, and dedication displayed by everyone involved, and we are thankful that the individual received the mental health treatment and assistance he deserved.

Please refer to the attached press release from the Erlanger Police Department for additional information regarding the incident. NKY SWAT remains committed to supporting our regional partners and serving the citizens of Northern Kentucky.

Authority:
Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT

Please join us in welcoming Officer Michael Whitford of the City of Alexandria, Kentucky Police Department, to the Northern Kentucky SWAT Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU).

Officer Whitford recently completed the NKY SWAT selection process and has been assigned as a Crisis Negotiator. With five years of law enforcement experience, he demonstrated the professionalism, communication skills, commitment, and dedication necessary to serve in this specialized role.

Crisis Negotiators play a vital role in helping resolve critical incidents through communication, de-escalation, and problem-solving, often bringing situations to a peaceful conclusion while protecting lives.

Officer Whitford's addition strengthens both our Crisis Negotiations Unit and the regional partnership that makes NKY SWAT successful. Congratulations, Officer Whitford, on your selection. We wish you continued success in your new assignment and look forward to the contributions you will make to the team.

Authority:
Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT

Today, marks the observance of Memorial Day — a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for those who gave their lives in defense of this country and for the families who continue to carry their memory.

As we gather with family and friends today, NKY SWAT encourages everyone to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor the heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

We remember.
We honor.
We will never forget.

Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Dallas R. Damron, Assistant Team Leader for Blue Team, who graduated earlier today from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Academy of Police Supervision, Class 106.

Newly promoted sergeants from agencies across the Commonwealth attend this intensive three-week leadership program, where they are immersed in supervisory development, leadership theory, and proven best practices in the first-line supervision of law enforcement officers.

Sergeant Damron’s successful completion of this prestigious program is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence in law enforcement leadership.

Sheriff Jude S. Hehman, Deputy CEO of Northern Kentucky SWAT, and Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT, attended the graduation ceremony earlier today at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in support of Sergeant Damron and his accomplishment.

Well done, Sergeant Damron, and congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

Authority:
Captain Eric T. Nelson

This morning in Covington, Kentucky, members of Northern Kentucky law enforcement agencies, community members, and distinguished guests gathered to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. NKY SWAT was honored to stand alongside our fellow law enforcement partners in remembrance and respect during today’s memorial ceremony.

“In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.”

Please join NKY SWAT in keeping the families, friends, and fellow officers of our fallen heroes in your thoughts and prayers throughout this National Police Week.

Mike Jansen for Campbell County Sheriff, the CEO of NKY SWAT is saddened to learn of the passing of Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle, who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty on April 2, 2026.

Deputy Rick Coyle, a Chicago native and former leader on the Chicago Police Department SWAT Team, served with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office and as a school resource officer for Crittenden County Schools. He moved to Kentucky with his wife in 2019 after retiring from the CPD, where he had a distinguished career including over 2,000 SWAT-related missions and leadership roles mentoring other officers.

Shooting Incident: On April 2, 2026, around 5 p.m., Deputy Coyle and other Crittenden County deputies, along with staff from the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, went to a home on KY-365 near Sturgis to serve emergency guardianship paperwork. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged with 60-year-old Ronnie Phillips, who was fatally wounded at the scene. Deputy Coyle was struck by gunfire, including a head wound and a bullet that hit his vest, and was airlifted to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he remained in critical condition. On April 30th, Deputy Coyle died from injuries sustained in the line of duty on April 2, 2026.

A woman present in the home was safely removed, and no other injuries were reported. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation, with assistance from multiple local law enforcement agencies.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Coyle’s family, friends, and the members of the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time. We honor his service, sacrifice, and commitment to his community.

Authority:
Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT

NKY SWAT was proud to attend HEROES Day on Sunday, April 26th, at Campbell County Middle School.

This event provided a great opportunity to connect with the community, meet local families, and give a closer look at the equipment and training that help keep our region safe. Events like this are a reminder of the strong partnership between first responders and the communities we serve.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support, and to the organizers for hosting such a meaningful event. We always appreciate the opportunity to engage with the public and inspire the next generation.

Authority:
Captain Eric T. Nelson, Deputy Director of NKY SWAT