Johnstown, Gloversville team up on SWAT effort

PHOTOGRAPHER: Matthew McKibben

The cities of Gloversville and Johnstown are taking steps to formally consolidate a portion of each city’s police force.

The Johnstown Common Council last week approved an inter-municipal resolution that would to establish a joint Special Weapons and Tactics Team with Gloversville.

“Anytime we can pool our resources to have greater manpower and more people who are specially trained in emergency situations that is a good thing,” said Johnstown First Ward Councilwoman Cynthia S. Lakata, who voted in favor of the resolution. “This should enhance the safety in both cities.”

The two neighboring cities have been combining SWAT services for a number of years, Gloversville Mayor Dayton King said.

“Up to this point, this has worked really well, and I expect it to moving forward,” said King, who is in favor of the consolidation. “Those guys just take care of their business and do what they need to do and don’t look for any credit.”

Currently, officers from both cities respond when there is a related emergency in either city, King added.

The Gloversville Common Council will vote to approve the same resolution on Aug. 12.

“I have no doubt that the council will approve this measure,” he said. “We have been doing this for years and I think it is a great move.”

If the resolution is approved by the Gloversville council, the joint SWAT team will become formal and could lead to monetary savings.

Gloversville Police Chief Donald VanDeusen added that he thinks it is a good idea and sees no reason why the Common Council would not support the move.

Gloversville Second Ward Councilman Arthur Simonds said any time you can combine services to help the community it is a good idea.

“Obviously both cities have some financial issues,” he said. “So I think having this in place will help both cities.”