THW Vol. 3, Issue 1
Well, 2025 went by in a flash! Unfortunately, the newsletter fell by the wayside last year; however, the intent moving forward is to publish three newsletters per year to keep subscribers up-to-date on the Team’s happenings.
First off, thank you to everyone for your continued support of the Special Enforcement Team and the Support Foundation. Over the past year, several donors have made (and continue to make) generous contributions to the Foundation. Although most wish to remain anonymous, the Special Enforcement Team would like to express its gratitude for believing in our mission and the work we do. We could not accomplish our tasks at the level the public expects without your support. We are truly grateful. Thank you.
The Special Enforcement Team Evolves
Senior Deputy Doug Jones spent over 20 years as a member on the Special Enforcement Team. He retired last year from the Sheriff’s Office, but continues working in law enforcement with a neighboring agency. Doug was instrumental in the development of countless SET members. In addition to his ability to mentor and lead, Doug was also one of the driving forces that helped create the SBSET Support Foundation. Had it not been for Doug’s forward-thinking, the Special Enforcement Team would not be in the position that it is today as the premier tactical team in Santa Barbara County. Doug, thank you for your service to the County of Santa Barbara, County Search and Rescue, the Special Enforcement Team, the Support, Foundation, and for all of your guidance over the years.
Andy Long was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant. Andy was a long rifleman and one of the senior members of SET. Andy rotated back to patrol, and his tactical experience was evident when his Coastal Stations patrol squad responded to a critical incident in May 2025 in Montecito. Under Andy’ s leadership, his squad was able to appropriately respond to a violent, in-progress call, and safely apprehend the suspect. Andy has been able to take his experience from SET and share it with the patrol squads at his station. This leads to more capable, better trained deputies protecting the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Keep up the great work, Andy!
Deputy Dave Ashley spent over seven years assigned to SET. Dave was one of the team’s premier riflemen and rural operations specialists. His military background has served him well throughout his law enforcement career, and it paid huge dividends during his time with SET. Dave knew when to be a leader, but also when to jump in the driver’s seat of a Bearcat and drive it with pinpoint accuracy on callouts. Dave could always be counted on to take on the mentor role for new members assigned to SET. His experience, candidness, and outstanding driving skills in the Team’s Bearcats will be hard to replicate. Thank you, Dave!
Santa Barbara County Firefighter Paramedic Austin Muro served with the Special Enforcement Team for approximately four years. Austin was the ultimate medical professional and honed his skills during his time with SET. Austin also showed deputies several “tricks of the trade” when it came to various breaching capabilities being used in the fire service, and how they could apply in a tactical setting. Austin’s dependability and hard work will be missed, but we know he will continue to be an ambassador for bridging the gap between law enforcement and the fire service in his current firefighter-paramedic duties. Thanks for everything you gave to the Team, Austin!
Thanks to the extremely generous donations of our supporters, SET has been able to upgrade and phase out outdated equipment. New Galvion Caiman ballistic helmets were purchased to replace the decade-old Ops Core helmets that were previously being issued.
The Long Rifle Element was able to upgrade their aging fleet of DMRs (designated marksman rifles) with Vortex 1-10 LVPOs (rifle scopes) and Geissele upper receiver groups. This will allow for enhanced magnification and precision on AR-15-style rifles. Upgraded binoculars, range finders, and tripods also assist the element with their capabilities.
SET is now utilizing HUXWRX suppressors on all team-issued Daniel Defense rifles. Among the many benefits of shooting suppressed is the noise reduction. Over the course of a career, deputies may shoot tens of thousands of rounds during team training days. Many deputies attend outside training courses in addition to required team trainings. Hearing loss is something many former operators contend with, and shooting suppressed rifles will hopefully further protect that valuable sense for years to come.
Lastly, SET is preparing to launch the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office UAS (drone) program. This program will not only enhance the capabilities of SET, but it will also be available to support patrol and custody operations. Dozens of hours have been spent researching, training with other California law enforcement agencies, obtaining the appropriate licenses and certifications through the FAA, and creating TTPs for the UAS program. We are excited to see this program have a positive impact for the residents of Santa Barbara County. Thank you to our donors who have made this idea a reality!
2025 in Review
Support Foundation Pistol Course
In February, the Special Enforcement Team hosted a one-day pistol course. Attendees had an excellent time learning about firearm safety, gaining confidence with their pistols, and gaining insightful techniques from SET members providing top-notch instruction. We appreciate everyone who came out to participate and for your support of the Special Enforcement Team. These fundraisers allow the Support Foundation to generate additional funds to send operators to specialized training, purchase additional training ammunition, or procure necessary gear that would otherwise not be acquired due to budget constraints.
The Support Foundation will be hosting a Women’s Only Pistol Course on Friday, April 24th.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in attending the Women’s Only Pistol Course, please contact Matt at: mjd4222@sbsheriff.org
The Special Enforcement Team may be activated day or night, 365 days per year. SET prides itself on the successful execution of any task they are assigned. SET’s mission-readiness and capabilities would not be possible without the equipment and training so graciously acquired through the efforts of the Santa Barbara Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation, Inc.
Questions, comments, or THW newsletter ideas can be sent to: matt@sbsetfoundation.org
