Appleton officers in shooting are firearms instructors

APPLETON - The Appleton Police Department is detailing the backgrounds of the two police officers who shot and killed an armed man Wednesday morning. In a release, Appleton police state that Lt. Carlos del Plaine and Officer Joseph Lidbury are both state-certified firearms instructors. Lidbury is also a state-certified Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT) instructor and state-certified Professional Communications instructor. Appleton police say Lidbury has been on the SWAT team for the past six years. Lt. del Plaine is a former long-term member of the SWAT team.

Police say both officers received annual training in both DAAT tactics and firearms use, logging a significant number of hours each year as both students and instructors. Police also say SWAT team members receive 8 hours of firearms and tactics training monthly.

Both men were involved in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Armando Aponte. Appleton Police Chief David Walsh says the officers tried to get Aponte who was armed with two swords to drop the weapons. When he didn't listen, Walsh says Lidbury and del Plaine were forced to shoot Aponte.

This was the first use of deadly force by Appleton officers in 24 years.

Both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation is finished, which is common procedure.

The Green Bay Police Department is handling the investigation.