The Garfield County All Hazards Response Team (AHRT) was developed in response to the ever-increasing needs of the communities in the county.  The team and its equipment are generally funded through grants made possible by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.

The AHRT Team is a joint effort between various law enforcement agencies in the county, and currently includes sworn officers from the Glenwood Springs Police Dept., Rifle Police Dept., and the Garfield County Sheriff's Dept.  Additionally, the team includes medics and fire fighter personnel from the Glenwood Springs Fire Dept.

Members of the AHRT Team have attended extensive training, including basic SWAT School through the Utah County (UT) Sheriff's Office, as well as courses in hazmat operations, active shooter, chemical munitions, distraction devices, and tactical tracking, rappelling, and breaching.

In 2008, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office purchased a Lenco BearCat using their own existing funds to further support the mission of the AHRT.

Mission Statement of AHRT

"Recognizing that the presence of a highly trained, highly skilled tactical unit has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to citizens, police officers, firefighters and suspects.  By recognizing that a well managed 'team' response to critical incidents usually results in a successful resolution of critical incidents, it is the intent of the All Hazards Response Team to work together to provide a highly trained and skilled tactical team as a resource for those that are in need."