The Custer County Sheriff’s Office will join other members of the Central Nebraska Special Response Team (SRT) for a scheduled training in Merna on Saturday (March 15). Residents can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence starting at 10 AM in the area of South Wilson Street and the Anselmo-Merna school.
The training will serve as an exercise to improve tactical readiness and there will be no danger to the community, according to a statement from the Sheriff on Wednesday afternoon. 
Those wanting to see the SRT in action are invited to observe, but are asked to keep their distance so the members of the team can complete the training without distraction.
In a story from early February, KCNI/KBBN spoke with Howard County Sergeant Paul Tartaglia and Custer County Deputy Casey Edelman about the forming of the Central Nebraska SRT due to manpower issues. The group uses the latest technology and techniques to diffuse crisis situations operating similarly to a SWAT team.
Members of the Central Nebraska SRT include the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Nance County Sheriff’s Office, Boyd County Sheriff’s Office, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, and Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for their support and assistance with Saturday’s plans as well as a resident who gave the SRT access to an unused residence for the training.
