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SWAT Team Evokes Pride, Earns Honor

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: December 10, 2008

DADE CITY - Gordie Larkin was in mid-sentence when the moment got to him.

A detective with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Larkin was speaking at a Dade City Rotary Club meeting, where members of the sheriff's SWAT team were receiving a public service award named after him.

In 2002, Larkin, a member of the SWAT team, was shot between the eyes while issuing a search warrant. He was back on the force a year later. Addressing a crowd of about 100 at the Dade City Business Center, Larkin spoke of the pride he had in his fellow SWAT team members.

Sheriff's Capt. Skip Stone, who leads the SWAT team, described the job as "usually volatile."

"When we have SWAT situations, it usually involves firearms and drug activity," he said. "It creates a tough situation."
Larkin credited God with helping him through his situation. Then his gaze fell to the back of the room, where Josh Cooley sat in a wheelchair.

"And by Josh's help," Larkin said.

A member of the SWAT team, Cooley went to Larkin's aid. Cooley later went to Iraq as a Marine Corps reservist and sustained a brain injury after being hit by shrapnel from a roadside bomb in 2005. Larkin and Cooley were among the roughly 25 SWAT team members recognized for their service to the community.

In the back of the room, Cooley was helped to his feet and given a framed award.

Amid a standing ovation, he held it in his hands and kissed it.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613.

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