This debrief will discuss lessons learned and challenges faced during a hostage incident that occurred in Orlando, Florida in 2018. An officer was shot during the initial response, and the suspect then barricaded with four children held as hostage. Over 20 hours, the Orlando Police Department SWAT Team and Orange County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team attempted to resolve the incident. Tactical, operational and administrative considerations will be discussed, as will the transition of teams. In addition, expectations and realities of law enforcement during critical incidents will be a focal point of this presentation.

Chris Eklund began his career with the Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office in 1999. He worked in several areas of the agency, including patrol, narcotics and problem-oriented policing, and the full-time portion of the SWAT team as the Training Coordinator, Team Leader, and Training Administrator. Eklund joined SWAT in 2002 and was assigned to a full-time position in 2014. He became a Sniper in 2003 and the Sniper team leader in 2013. Chris was very active with the Florida SWAT Association since 2004 instructing firearms and sniper courses, entry techniques, and hostage rescue tactics. He served as an instructor, Vice President, and President on the Board of Directors. Eklund served as the Secretary on the National Tactical Officers Association Board of Directors. He has a Bachelor's degree in exercise physiology and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership. Chris served in the U.S Army National Guard from 1992-2002 before separating as a staff sergeant. He retired from the sheriff's office as a Sergeant in January 2025 and began his career with NTOA as a Senior Instructor in February of 2025.