The Transit Police command staff from Pierce Transit earned the “Top Dog” award at the joint military and civilian shooting competition held at Joint Base Lewis McChord on Saturday, July 30. The Pierce Transit Police command staff team members are Rod Baker, chief Public Safety & Transit Police; Bill Cassio, deputy chief Transit Police; Trent Stephens, Transit Police sergeant.
Over 100 military and civilian law enforcement officers from the South Sound area participated in three-person tactical team and stationary shooting events to test their handgun skills when engaging shoot/no-shoot targets. The competition included patrol officers and command staff personnel who competed for best Tactical Shooting Team, best Stationary Shooting Team and the best overall "Top-Dog" command staff shooting team.
“It is comforting to know that skilled, well-trained law enforcement officers are in place to provide quick assistance when needed,” stated Pierce Transit CEO, Lynne Griffith. “Our number one priority is the safety of our transit customers and employees.”
In 2006, Pierce Transit became the first public transit agency in the state of Washington to grant a general police commissioning to its public safety officer. The Public Safety and Transit Police Office is comprised of 26 full-time and contract police officers and 16 transit security officers. The Pierce Transit service area covers more than 400 square miles and on an average weekday provides almost 48,000 trips.
