Law Enforcement From Entire State Training In Macon

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Tactical Officers Association (GTOA) has descended upon Macon for the 4th year for its yearly training practices.

The men and women of law enforcement from across the state are training in several fields for the three day event. From tactical and maneuvering, to shooting and building clearing, there are nearly 300 hundred officers honing their skills this week.

As part of the event, the Macon Police Department unveiled its newest addition to its SWAT fleet. A new armored truck with the name and badge number of Lt. Mark Cotton is on display. Cotton was a member of the Macon Police Department and GTOA, and was influential in getting the yearly training exercise moved from north Georgia to Macon.

President of GTOA, Dennis Valone, emphasized the importance of so many different law enforcement agencies being able to meet together for training practices.

“It’s very important we share ideas, we share tactics, we share training and we network with each other,” Valone said. “We know what kind of equipment is out there that we can borrow from each other and help each other out.”

The shooting practice and tactical maneuvering drills are being conducted at a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office shooting range.