DPS trains here, builds partnerships Published Oct. 6, 2011 By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Texas Department of Public Safety conducted special weapons and tactics tryouts here Sept. 28. More than 50 DPS members came to Laughlin in two separate groups and used designated training areas that were allotted by the base that lasted about a week. ]"DPS reached out to the 47th Security Forces Squadron for a possible training area to conduct their Southwest regional tryouts for their Special Response Team and SWAT teams," said Master Sgt. Robert Vachon, 47th SFS Operations superintendent. "They needed an area to conduct physical fitness training and team building exercises for their teams and we have the space here at Laughlin to assist." While DPS members aren't always on base, the recent training shows how important the partnership is between the two agencies. "We work with military quite often," said J.D. Robertson, Texas Ranger Special Operations commander. "It's important to have a good working relationship with each other because we may end up crossing paths." Vachon said the security forces squadron here assists with all local law enforcement with requests as much as they can. In turn, those agencies return the favor by offering Airmen here localized law enforcement training within their departments. "We feel it's essential to work with all of our law enforcement neighbors because it ensures all agencies are training and adhering to some of the same standards," he said.