The Irving Police Department congratulated Officers Peterson and Lotspeich for their performance at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Sniper Competition held last weekend in Conroe, TX. The event brought together 24 two-man teams from various Texas police departments, as well as teams from New Mexico, Louisiana, and the US Army. The competition tested participants' mental sharpness, physical endurance, and teamwork. Irving PD secured 7th place, highlighting the skills of their officers.
The 2024 Sniper Competition was dedicated to Sergeant Kelley Pirkle of Lubbock PD, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Sgt. Pirkle remained actively involved in law enforcement until recently, having served for 21 years on Lubbock PD's SWAT team before retiring in December 2023. He also serves as the Region 5 Director for the Texas Tactical Police Officer Association.
Sgt. Pirkle has faced increasing health challenges, including the collapse of his right lung due to fluid buildup. While treatments have been ongoing, some of his tumors have become resistant to chemotherapy. His son Kolton is also a SWAT team member, and the two have trained and competed together. Kelley is recognized for his leadership and dedication within the Texas SWAT community, as well as his role as a husband to his wife, Terri, and father to their three sons: Kody, Kolton, and Kutter.
Kelley and his family are exploring treatment options both locally in Lubbock and at MD Anderson in Houston. The medical costs, along with travel expenses, are expected to rise. Friends and colleagues are offering support to assist Kelley in his battle against cancer.
