After receiving notice from the Federal Way Police Department, I was informed of a tactical training exercise due to take place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 11-12 in my immediate area, which is residential. The address was across the street from many homes, and parking of these SWAT vehicles was in the church lot.

According to the letter, loud noises from Noise Flash Diversionary Devices and High Energy Breaching exercises would occur.

They were not kidding! Talk about horrific noise and bombs going off and yelling — it was terrible. Pets were terrified, children (many with flu) cried and it lasted on the final day until almost 9 p.m. People need to sleep in order to pay bills and live, and we need our privacy. Why pick an abandoned house in the middle of all these homes?

Can’t they go play in the middle of the woods, say like Mt. Rainier?

Many people are still angry at the intrusion. Oh yes, and the final cincher was: “These noises are similar to the noises heard on the Fourth of July.” Didn’t anyone tell these guys that fireworks are illegal in the city of Federal Way?

The training coordinator said to feel free to call with any questions.

I have one: How about going someplace else next time?

Dawn Gaudette, Federal Way