How can I get a copy of the FBI video "Firefight," based on the Miami shootout?

AEM · September 25, 2000, 01:31 PM

I have always wanted to learn more about this incident, which I feel is just as dramatic and historically significant as the shootout at the OK Corral. I have read just about everything thing I can find on it, including the materials available on the FBI homepage and Dr. French Anderson's forensic analysis.

I have always wanted to see the video reenactment produced by the FBI entitled "Firefight." I understand it is widely distributed to law enforcement for training.
I made a request for a copy under the Freedom of Information Act, but I am pessimistic about my chances of getting one in this lifetime. If it was published by the fed. gov't, it isn't supposed to be copyrighted, so reproduction shouldn't be a problem.

If anyone knows where I can get a copy, please let me know.

Thanks.

Eric Blair · September 25, 2000, 01:43 PM

Here is a link to Dean Speir's report.
http://communities.prodigy.net/sportsrec/11april86.html

Find out the who/what/etc.

Pretty scary reading. (Not just the bad guys, but the good guys also...)

Eric

SMHeaton · September 25, 2000, 04:13 PM

I might be wrong here, but the only video entitled "Firefight" about the Miami, Florida FBI shootout I have ever heard of is the episode of the "FBI Files" produced for The Learning Channel. It is a good video, complete with a reenactment and interviews along the way with some of the Special Agents that participated in the gunfight.

You should be able to by this video by hunting around www.tlc.discovery.com.

I just checked this link:
http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/tvschedu...isode=21141026

which says that "Firefight" will be aired two times on The Learning Channel on October 24, and once again on October 29.

Another fact-based account of this gunfight can be seen in "In the Line of Duty: The FBI Murders" starring Michael Gross (of "Family Ties" fame) as one of the scumbags (I can't remember if it was Matix or Platt.). That might be available for rent at your local video store (At least it is in mine...).

[This message has been edited by SMHeaton (edited September 25, 2000).]

AEM · September 25, 2000, 04:17 PM

Thanks for the replys.

I have seen both the Discovery Channel program and the "Line of Duty" movie. Both are interesting. But the FBI videoed a re-enactment which they share with law enforcement agencies.

SMHeaton · September 25, 2000, 04:22 PM

Hmmm... Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I too am really interested in that particular gun fight. If you manage to find what you're looking for, I'd sure appreciate it if you'd let me know...

Good luck in your search...

Robert Foote · September 25, 2000, 08:42 PM

I have seen the FBI video; also saw a presentation by the lead investigator of Miami-Dade of the incident. The 'FBI Murders' video is actually very well done. They don't get into the tiny details, but it hardly matters. That's because the whole thing was a cluster from the get-go. The Bureau agents were complacent and sloppy, and ran into two BGs with no thought of surrendering that day. Even at that only one BG was very active. A very sad story, and one that woke up quite a few people in training circles. FWIW.

------------------

Shawn Dodson · September 25, 2000, 09:18 PM

Contact your local FBI field office to inquire about obtaining a copy. Look in the phone book under U.S. Government.

------------------
/s/ Shawn Dodson
Firearms Tactical Institute
http://www.firearmstactical.com

ericmt · September 10, 2012, 08:00 PM

I know this is a really old thread, but I found it while Googling for the video "Firefight", an FBI training video regarding the Miami Shootout. It's quite relevant. I found it on YouTube. Here's the links (it's in two parts):

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlSCE88UhyA

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAUDn...feature=relmfu

**Tom Servo** · September 10, 2012, 08:59 PM

The original thread is 12 years old. Feel free to open a new one on the matter, but this one's groaning and looking to eat brains.

September 10, 2012, 08:00 PM	#8
ericmt Junior Member Join Date: January 11, 2012 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 2	I know this is a really old thread, but I found it while Googling for the video "Firefight", an FBI training video regarding the Miami Shootout. It's quite relevant. I found it on YouTube. Here's the links (it's in two parts): Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlSCE88UhyA Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAUDn...feature=relmfu __________________ Carry everywhere it's legal. “Never bring a knuck buck to a gunfight.” d0nturner, ohioccwforums.org

September 10, 2012, 08:59 PM	#9
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	The original thread is 12 years old. Feel free to open a new one on the matter, but this one's groaning and looking to eat brains. __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe

September 25, 2000, 01:31 PM	#1
AEM Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 1999 Posts: 171	I have always wanted to learn more about this incident, which I feel is just as dramatic and historically significant as the shootout at the OK Corral. I have read just about everything thing I can find on it, including the materials available on the FBI homepage and Dr. French Anderson's forensic analysis. I have always wanted to see the video reenactment produced by the FBI entitled "Firefight." I understand it is widely distributed to law enforcement for training. I made a request for a copy under the Freedom of Information Act, but I am pessimistic about my chances of getting one in this lifetime. If it was published by the fed. gov't, it isn't supposed to be copyrighted, so reproduction shouldn't be a problem. If anyone knows where I can get a copy, please let me know. Thanks.

September 25, 2000, 01:43 PM	#2
Eric Blair Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 1999 Posts: 101	Here is a link to Dean Speir's report. http://communities.prodigy.net/sportsrec/11april86.html Find out the who/what/etc. Pretty scary reading. (Not just the bad guys, but the good guys also...) Eric

September 25, 2000, 04:13 PM	#3
SMHeaton Member Join Date: May 17, 2000 Location: Provo, Utah, USA Posts: 46	I might be wrong here, but the only video entitled "Firefight" about the Miami, Florida FBI shootout I have ever heard of is the episode of the "FBI Files" produced for The Learning Channel. It is a good video, complete with a reenactment and interviews along the way with some of the Special Agents that participated in the gunfight. You should be able to by this video by hunting around www.tlc.discovery.com. I just checked this link: http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/tvschedu...isode=21141026 which says that "Firefight" will be aired two times on The Learning Channel on October 24, and once again on October 29. Another fact-based account of this gunfight can be seen in "In the Line of Duty: The FBI Murders" starring Michael Gross (of "Family Ties" fame) as one of the scumbags (I can't remember if it was Matix or Platt.). That might be available for rent at your local video store (At least it is in mine...). [This message has been edited by SMHeaton (edited September 25, 2000).]

September 25, 2000, 04:17 PM	#4
AEM Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 1999 Posts: 171	Thanks for the replys. I have seen both the Discovery Channel program and the "Line of Duty" movie. Both are interesting. But the FBI videoed a re-enactment which they share with law enforcement agencies.

September 25, 2000, 04:22 PM	#5
SMHeaton Member Join Date: May 17, 2000 Location: Provo, Utah, USA Posts: 46	Hmmm... Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I too am really interested in that particular gun fight. If you manage to find what you're looking for, I'd sure appreciate it if you'd let me know... Good luck in your search...

September 25, 2000, 08:42 PM	#6
Robert Foote Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1998 Posts: 623	I have seen the FBI video; also saw a presentation by the lead investigator of Miami-Dade of the incident. The 'FBI Murders' video is actually very well done. They don't get into the tiny details, but it hardly matters. That's because the whole thing was a cluster from the get-go. The Bureau agents were complacent and sloppy, and ran into two BGs with no thought of surrendering that day. Even at that only one BG was very active. A very sad story, and one that woke up quite a few people in training circles. FWIW. ------------------

September 25, 2000, 09:18 PM	#7
Shawn Dodson Junior member Join Date: December 16, 1998 Location: Titusville, FL, USA Posts: 1,030	Contact your local FBI field office to inquire about obtaining a copy. Look in the phone book under U.S. Government. ------------------ /s/ Shawn Dodson Firearms Tactical Institute http://www.firearmstactical.com