MCKINNEY, Texas — The McKinney Police Department recognized two women in front of city council on Sept. 30 for their accomplishment of becoming the first female members of their SWAT team.
Officer Anna Jagneaux and Paramedic Corinne Williams became the first female members in McKinney’s history to complete SWAT tryouts and earn their place on the team earlier this year, the department said in a Facebook post.
McKinney Police Chief Joe Ellenburg stood before city council and recognized Jagneaux and Williams for their accomplishment. Ellenburg said six of the 11 applicants – four officers and two paramedics – completed the tryout to earn a probationary position on the SWAT team.
"Jagneaux and Williams displayed a high-degree of preparedness and intestinal fortitude throughout the tryout process," Ellenburg said at the city council meeting. "The exceptionally physical day required them to carry their male counterparts, scale obstacles, fight through CS gas exposure, solve complex problems within strict time periods and endure nearly 10 hours of constant movement while under a load."
Ellenburg said that after their six-month probationary period, Jagneaux and Williams both received a unanimous "yes" from a team vote, earning their coveted "black shirts" and solidifying themselves as official members of the McKinney SWAT team.
"Their dedication, teamwork, and resilience have set a powerful example for us all. Today’s recognition by City Council is a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence," McKinney police said in its Facebook post.
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