The El Monte, CA, police department has selected a suite of SIG Sauer pistols, rifles, suppressors and electro-optics to create a complete systems solution for its officers as they protect and serve residents in their patrol area, 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The agency’s changeover began when SWAT Team Leader Mark Snook started the testing-and-acquisition process for handguns chambered in 9 mm and .45 ACP, as well as 5.56 NATO rifles with suppressors. Options from four different manufacturers were submitted for pistol evaluation, alone.
“The overwhelming decision was the SIG 226 and 229 in 9 mm and the 220 in .45 ACP,” said Sgt. Snook. “I, along with the rest of the SWAT team, pushed for the Legion models as they are the top of the line SIG models, and they already include all the upgraded features we were looking for.”
The SWAT team also selected latest version of the SIG Sauer MCX rifle equipped with an SRD556 suppressor for duty use. Although the department wasn’t looking for new optics, the officers involved in the evaluation process determined the Electro-Optics Romeo4T red-dots sights and Juliet4 magnifiers installed on the test rifles were superior to their older models and have begun the process to add them to their purchase.
Upon inspecting the SWAT team’s acquisition, El Monte Police Chief David Reynoso determined the new pistols were the best option for the 123-sworn-officer force, and expanded the order to supply the entire department with the new handguns.
“We have a long history of providing the best quality firearms for law enforcement use, it’s exciting to be able to create a solution tailored to meet the mission of any department,” said Tom Jankiewicz, executive vice president, SIG Sauer Law Enforcement Sales. “We are humbled that officers trust their lives to our products.”
