The Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) was formed in 1987. The role of S.E.R.T is to provide specialized response to emergencies that involve agency personnel as they perform their duties. The team — similar to a SWAT unit — also can assist other law enforcement agencies if called upon.

The S.E.R.T. unit is composed of highly trained deputy sheriffs -- all of whom are volunteers because of the hazardous duties they may be called upon to perform. Each member must pass a rigorous physical assessment and an oral interview, demonstrate expert proficiency with firearms and have sustained no "A" violations in the performance of duty.

SERT members receive basic and advanced training in hostage rescue, barricaded subjects, high risk warrant service, vehicle take downs, team and individual movements and woodland operations. In addition, they are certified in the deployment of specialty impact munitions (bean bag rounds) and the air taser. 

Some S.E.R.T. members receive basic and advanced training as sniper/observers.

The S.E.R.T. unit trains monthly with a week of special training each winter and summer along with quarterly training with the Crisis Negotiations Unit.

The  members of the S.E.R.T. unit are broken into two squads, each headed by a Captain. A Sergeant acts as the assistant squad leader and is trained to lead if necessary.

Each squad has a tactical medic who is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a sniper/observer. Both squads are trained to perform entries or perimeter duty and can work as a platoon if called on to assist another tactical team.

Escapes from the courthouse and restoring order in a facility are examples of incidents the S.E.R.T. unit is prepared to handle.

Major Thomas M. Plummer is the team commander.