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Hillsborough Hostage Negotiators Win State Award

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 13, 2008

TAMPA -- At its annual statewide conference this week, the Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators named the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Crisis Negotiations Team the 2008 Team of the Year.

The crisis negotiations team responds to incidents involving hostage situations, high-risk or armed suicide attempts and armed and barricaded suspects, a sheriff's office news release states.

"The team was recognized for its handling of a 2007 hostage standoff at a local gun range which involved an armed man holding five hostages," according to the release. "The ten and a half hour ordeal was negotiated to a successful conclusion, with no injuries to the five hostages."

The Hillsborough team also received the honor in 2004, 2005 and 2007, the release states.

The Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators has more than 925 negotiators, commanders and tactical personnel throughout the state.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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