A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) hosted 22 female law enforcement officers (LEOs) for the 8th Annual “Back the Women in Blue” presented by Glock, with ammunition sponsored by Aguila. The event took place November 13-15, 2024, at the Round Rock Public Safety Training Center in Round Rock, Texas. Participants were female commissioned officers, each nominated by someone in her community, from 11 states, including 10 county agencies, 13 municipalities and 1 tribal nation.
“The A Girl & A Gun community is proud to offer this unique training experience for female law enforcement officers,” said Robyn Sandoval, president & CEO of AG & AG. “These women are servant leaders and role models in their communities. We are honored to give them the skills they need to stay safe.”
Lead instructor Sgt. Brian Quick of the Round Rock Police Department (RRPD), along with a cadre of instructors, provided three days of exceptional training and camaraderie:
Day 1: Welcome from Chief Allen Banks of RRPD, followed by live-fire pistol training
Day 2: Presentation from Sheriff Hernandez, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, with training on VCQB/fighting around objects, single-officer building clearing, breaching, and rappelling from the 6-story tower
Day 3: Presentations from Chief Henderson, Austin Police Department, and Commander Melissa Grubbs, Round Rock Police Department, and training on defensive tactics
“‘Back the Women in Blue’ was an amazing training opportunity that will forever be memorable to me,” said Detective Kamryn Yauger of the Moraine (Ohio) Police Department. “Getting to know amazing female officers from all over the country was nothing short of amazing! Removing the outside noise, pressures and redundancy of in-house training with a home agency, sets up an environment that is enriching and plenty less stressful. I was able to fully immerse myself into three days of this heavily involved training without feeling overwhelmed. It was encouraging knowing that there are other officers who understand the struggles endured within this line of work.”
Officer Agnieszka Motyka from Alamogordo (New Mexico) Police Department said, “It was inspiring to see how much each participant took away from the sessions. The instructors were not only knowledgeable and well-prepared but also kind and approachable, creating an environment where learning thrived. The speakers were nothing short of inspirational, leaving us with messages and lessons we will carry with us both personally and professionally.”
“The opportunity to work alongside other women in LE from across the U.S. has been a highlight in my life,” said Deputy Brooke Goolsby from the St. Clair County (Michigan) Sheriff's Office. “I learned so many new techniques that I couldn’t wait to take roadside when I returned to work. It was an absolute honor to be able to attend the AG & AG training and meet so many incredible women. Thank you, Robyn, and the countless other sponsors who made this training possible!”
Walther, Magpul, and WileyX were some of the corporations that joined Glock and Aguila in sponsoring the event. AG & AG chapters from League City. Texas; Columbia, Missouri; Alvin/South Houston, Texas; and Roanoke, Virginia also fundraised for the officers. AG & AG hosts "Back the Women in Blue" for female law enforcement officers each year, as well as many competitive matches and civilian training events throughout the year. For more information, visit AGirlandAGun.org/back-the-blue.
