New special response team based in southeast Connecticut growing in numbers [Video]

EAST LYME, CT (WFSB) – From physical training to tactical work, this is the Southeast Connecticut Special Response Team.

“34 police officers with a much higher level of training to really deal with any type of situation that arises so this is a win-win for everybody,” said East Lyme Police Chief Michael Finkelstein.

The team is made up of officers from Groton City, East Lyme, Ledyard, Montville and Waterford.

Ledyard and Waterford started the group, and it’s growing. The idea is strength in numbers.

“We have a high standard to maintain. If you can get out here on any given day and perform to that standard then that is what we need,” said Ledyard Patrolman Gage Griffin

Griffin is also on the SWAT team.

On the field, him and his co-workers are running and pulling each other, literally. All of it timed and tracked.

“It’s practical exercise. It’s not just a 1.5 mile run in PT gear, …