Sponsors are needed for this year’s IRT pistol competition, Commander Mike McDonald said this week.

“The team depends on pistol competition sponsors in order to host this fundraiser and team members are currently out contacting businesses that have supported the competition over the past several years,” he said.

Proceeds from the event go to purchase equipment used by the Incident Response Team. The equipment is used for training purposes and in real-life operations.

“Further funding is utilized in order to train local officers and deputies in areas such as officer response to active shooters, officer rescue and building clearance techniques,” McDonald said.

IRT is used by Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Department, Opp Police Department, Florala Police Department, the Drug Task Force and other local police departments to help resolve hostage situations, barricaded gunman situations, high-risk arrest warrants and high-risk search warrants.

The team comprises officers from the APD, OPD, CCSO and the district attorney’s office.

The event is set for Fri., April 12, at the Wilbur W. Williams Law Enforcement Training Facility at 8 a.m.

“The public is invited to come and view the competition which will feature some of the state’s best law enforcement handgun marksmen, and will feature Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange as the guest speaker,” McDonald said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the competition is asked to call 334-222-3532. Gold, silver and bronze sponsorships are available.