Republican National Convention: PBSO, West Palm officers head to Tampa to assist in security detail

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Dozens of police officers and sheriff's deputies from South Florida are heading to Tampa Thursday, to assist in security detail for the Republican National Convention next week.

Seventy-five members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, plus 24 from the West Palm Beach Police Department got on the road this morning, ready to travel more than 200 miles northwest to Tampa.

Most of the men and women are part of the Emergency Field Force. They have special training for the possible crowds or potential riots they may be up against at the Republican National Convention.

"You're going to be dealing with people that don't like the police, don't like the government. They're going to be throwing stuff at us, got to have people with level heads," said Sergeant Joseph Herb from the West Palm Beach Police Department.

"Our field force is specially trained in crowd control and perimeter security," added Commander Sean Murray from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

On top of that, the crews are ready for the possibility of the dangerous weather from Tropical Storm Isaac. If the storm hits South Florida while they're gone, Sergeant Herb says they'll be worried about their families at home.

If it hits Tampa, he says, the number of protestors could diminish. Either way, they're ready for some grueling days ahead.

"One hour on, two hours off, so basically when you have that two hours off, get that  gear off, vest off, belts off, sit down, hydrate a lot, eat a lot, power bars," said Herb.

Officers from the Stuart and Fort Pierce police departments are also headed up to Tampa to help with security.