Arthur Cusano is reporting in the Register Star top law enforcement officials in Columbia and Greene counties and the city of Hudson in a press conference Wed., Jun. 24, announced the formation of the Shared Services Response Team. The combined special force was created to deal with matters such as drug raids, hostage situations and manhunts. Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett said the response team is the first of its kind in the state. Hudson Police Chief Edward Moore said he was aware of concerns around an increased militarization of the city police department. He said the team would only be used in certain serious situations that required special training. Greene County Sheriff Greg Seeley said sharing resources between counties is a win-win scenario for everyone. He said in addition to its agreement with Columbia County, Greene County has contracts with Ulster, Schoharie and Delaware counties to assist in emergency situations. The team members, led by Greene County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Adam Brainard, will all undergo basic and advanced SWAT training, and some speciality instruction, including breaching tactics and wildlife search and rescue. Read the full story in the Register Star.