HURLEY -- A week-long training session for the Gogebic-Iron Tactical Response Team began on Monday at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Hurley.

Personnel from the Wisconsin jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the training for the newly formed local special weapons and tactical team.

The SWAT team is made up of three members each from the Gogebic and Iron County, Wis., sheriff's departments, and the Ironwood public safety and Hurley police departments.

Iron County deputy Chris Voyer is team commander.

"We have nothing for critical situations (now)," Voyer said.

The team will respond to critical situations such as barricaded suspects, and hostage and other high-risk situations, Voyer said.

He said efforts to localize a SWAT team began about two years ago.

"Wisconsin was trying to start a regional SWAT team to qualify for grant funding. We had to have an existing SWAT team to be a part of a regional team," Voyer said.

"Due to the cost of setting up a team and training, local law enforcement agreed to come together and form an area wide team," Voyer said. "One agency cannot afford to provide these specialized services." The Gogebic-Iron Tactical Response Team was formed.

Funding for the SWAT team will have to absorbed by local law enforcement.

Wal-Mart recently made a $2,500 donation to the tactical response team.

That money is being used for the purchase of equipment, Voyer said.

Funding is still needed for uniforms and gear.