CENTRALIA, Wash. - Tumwater police officer John Kenderesi can relate to sniper Chris Kyle, the Navy Seal featured in the Oscar-nominated "American Sniper" film.
Kenderesi was in the Army for eight years and now works as a marksman for the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
He's one of three marksmen on the county's SWAT team.
Like Kyle, Keneresi views his position as one that can save lives.
Keneresi has never had to fire his weapon while in the field, but he trains monthly to be prepared for that situation.
"You never know when it's going to happen," said Kenderesi, speaking during a training exercise at the Lewis County Fairgrounds.
He credits his trainer, Yelm Police Officer Joel Turner, for keeping the snipers prepared.
"We're out there making tough decisions," said Turner, "We train for that."
Turner also has not had to shoot at anyone while on the SWAT team or while on patrol in Yelm.
He said it takes more than being a good shot to be a sniper.
Turner said the physical action of pulling the trigger is only about 10 percent of the job.
"It's mostly mental," said Turner who makes sure all of the snipers on the SWAT team learn how to control their emotions, focus when the adrenaline is flowing and are familiar with the law.
"If you don't know the law then you're just dealing with emotions," said Turner.
