Federal Way cop eliminated from History’s ‘Top Shot’

A local police officer narrowly missed making it to the finale of the History Channel’s popular competition show, “Top Shot.”

Federal Way Police Commander Kyle Sumpter was among 18 contestants on the show’s fourth season. He was eliminated in fifth place during the episode which aired Tuesday and featured a challenge where competitors shot the Browning m1919, an iconic World War II machine gun.

“I was crushed. I was crushed to go home,” said Sumpter, who told 97.3 KIRO FM that he expected to make it to the finale.

Top Shot showcases some of the world’s most skilled marksmen as the contestants compete for a $100,000 prize, a professional shooting contract, and the title of History’s “Top Shot.”

Competitors are faced with a variety of marksmanship challenges, which have included advanced sniper rifles, flintlock pistols, grenade launchers, canons and primitive weapons.

“I was like an 8-year-old going to Disneyland for the first time,” Sumpter said earlier this year of being chosen to be on the show. “I had a huge smile on my face that I tried to wipe off so I could look a little bit meaner or tougher.”

Sumpter has over 20 years of law enforcement experience, including 12 years on a SWAT team. At 50, he was the oldest contestant ever to be given a spot on the show. While his shooting skills propelled him through round after round of competition, it was Sumpter’s personality that made him easy to cheer for.

“What you see on Top Shot is who he is 100 percent,” said Cathy Schrock, public information officer for the Federal Way Police Department. Members of the department watched Tuesday’s episode together in Tacoma.

“I think I disappointed everybody, and for that reason I am crushed over it. I hated to let people down,” Sumpter said. “In terms of being a commander here at the police department, I wish I would have won.”

The finale of Top Shot airs next Tuesday at 10/9c on the History Channel.