Published: 05-08-2026 | Category: Statewide
Ruston – In 2013, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) assembled its first Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) competition team, competing consistently through 2019, when the team earned First Place Overall at the Louisiana Tactical Police Officers Association (LTPOA) Conference. Since that time, rebuilding the momentum and commitment necessary to field another team willing to train, compete, and represent LSP and the SWAT Team has proven difficult due to the operational tempo for SWAT, in addition to the duties and requirements of the team members.
On March 23, 2026, ten highly motivated Troopers volunteered and committed themselves to training and competing. This marked the largest number of LSP SWAT personnel to attempt to become part of the LSP SWAT Competition Team. Six individuals were selected based on their physical fitness, firearms proficiency, and shooting scores from across the state. The team, consisting of Troopers from different SWAT Platoons throughout the state, included Lieutenant Jordan Garrett, Sergeant Trey Granier, Trooper First Class Austin Douglas, Trooper Zachary Thomas, Trooper Trent Perritt, and Trooper Brennan Wolfe. With only approximately one month to prepare before the 2026 LTPOA Conference, the team immediately began training for competition, understanding the sacrifices and commitment required both personally and professionally.
The six Troopers consistently dedicated themselves to improving as individuals and as a team while representing the Louisiana State Police with professionalism. Through determination, discipline, teamwork, and sacrifice, these operators quickly developed into a cohesive team capable of competing at the highest level. On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the team was joined by LSP SWAT Commander Lieutenant Philip Hanks at the LTPOA awards banquet, where their hard work and commitment resulted in the following competition stage placements and awards:
• Team “Royal Flush” (Sniper Rifle, AR-15, Glock) — 2nd Place
• Team “Your Day in the Box” (Sniper Rifle, AR-15, Glock) — 1st Place
• Team “Blue Falcon” (Sniper Rifle, AR-15, Glock, Shotgun) — 3rd Place
• Top Sniper — 1st Place
• “Over the Top” Obstacle Course — 1st Place
• First Place Overall — Louisiana State Police
The LSP SWAT Competition Team would like to thank the LTPOA for the opportunity to compete at this year’s conference, and to all our partner agencies who competed with them. Thank you to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office for hosting the competition. Lastly, special recognition should also be given to Maggie Pierrelee, daughter of retired LSP Pilot Travis Pierrelee, and niece of LSP SWAT Sniper Coordinator Doug Pierrelee, for her assistance throughout the team’s preparation and competition. Maggie, an experienced long-range shooter herself, assisted with competition stage preparation, workouts, walkthroughs, equipment management, and course familiarization, while also helping Sgt. Trey Granier prepare for the Sniper Division, where he ultimately earned First Place. Maggie donated her time and talents throughout the process, demonstrating exactly what Colonel Hodges describes as “Faith, Family, Fitness,” serving as core values that carry individuals through difficult challenges. The team’s success would not have been possible without Maggie’s dedication and commitment.
The Louisiana State Police SWAT Team is comprised of highly trained Troopers who are committed to excellence, teamwork, discipline, and protecting the citizens of Louisiana during critical incidents and high-risk operations. Their performance at this competition reflects the professionalism, dedication, and operational readiness expected of Louisiana State Troopers every day. If you are interested in serving among Louisiana’s finest, please contact a recruiter at [email protected] or visit JOINLSP.org for more information.
