SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAM

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team formerly known as the “Rook Unit” was established in 2014. The Special Operations Team consists of six deputies, who are highly trained heavy equipment operators and whose purpose is to assist the SWAT Team with various missions.  Unit members transport and operate heavy equipment in high-risk SWAT deployments and are also used in natural disasters to assist with clean up.  The “Rook” machine was purchased with drug seizure money and is shared with the Ocala Police Department SWAT team. 

Special Operations Team members are required to operate the following equipment for various reasons:

• “The Rook”

• “MRAP”

• Humvee

• Airboat

The “Rook” is an armored Skid Steer designed by the Ring power Corporation and sold to law enforcement throughout the United States.  It’s designed to breach buildings, move vehicles and personnel, and provide cover to personnel.  The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) is an armored vehicle designed to transport and provide protection to SWAT members in high-risk situations. The Humvee (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) is also armored, and transports SWAT members safely and assists in the completion of their mission. The team also utilizes an airboat in shallow water or swamp land to assist in getting access and deploying personnel to remote locations. All team members are state certified law enforcement airboat operators.