FORT JACKSON, S.C. –
This year's enlisted winner of the U.S. Army's annual Top Cop Competition was Spec. Brian T. Williamson, 221st Military Police Detachment, Fort Eustis, Va.
Hosted by the 17th MP Detachment, the 3rd Annual Private 1st Class Boyd Jr. Top Cop Competition was held on Ft. Jackson, S.C., June 3-5, 2012. Twenty teams competed over two days for top honors, with six competitors from the U.S. Army's Training and Doctrine Command MP Detachments. Forts Jackson, Lee, Huachuca, Eustis, Gordon, Rucker, the S. C. National Guard and Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. were represented, as well as local law-enforcement agencies.
"It feels great to win, especially since the competition was as stiff as it was," said Williamson. "There were a lot of capable people competing and the scenarios were effective in portraying our patrol duties."
Police officers competed in two-man teams in six different scenarios many law enforcement officers encounter in their careers, all while dealing with unpredictable weather. On day one, the teams completed the Army physical-fitness test, a domestic-violence scenario and a medical emergency. On day two the teams negotiated an obstacle course, completed a stress fire range and responded to an active-shooter scenario.
"The rain made the competition more intense, and that much more fun and rewarding. It added another element of stress for the competition," said Williamson. "The medical emergency scenario was one of my favorite parts of the competition, because it was very life-like."
Williamson and his partner, Sgt. Kevin Belanger, with the 221st MP Detachment, endured grueling training prior to the event. Staff Sgt. Kyle Daun, 2011 Top Cop noncommissioned officer winner, coached this year's winning team, and sponsored them during the competition.
For his efforts, Williamson went home with an Army Commendation medal and a large trophy. Belanger, who earned third place out of the NCOs in this year's competition, received a certificate of achievement and coin of excellence.
Capt. Samantha Hoxha, 221st MP Detachment commander, said this competition was designed to bring together TRADOC MP units for a friendly competition, and to test their military police officers' capabilities through various scenario-based, law-enforcement events.
"I am so proud of Specialist Williamson and Sergeant Belanger. Their hard work and dedication gave the other competitors a run for their money, and directly contributed to their success," said Hoxha. "They represented themselves, the 221st MP Detachment and Fort Eustis superbly."