Detective Sgt. Ryan Turner was restrained as he writhed on the ground after enduring the shock of a Taser.

Members of the Mt. Carmel Police Department participated in a day of training at the city fire station Friday to become certified to use Tasers during patrols in Mt. Carmel.

Police Chief Jeff Besing said the department purchased three Tasers last month, and officers first had to earn certification - including learning first-hand what it feels like to be tased, under the close watch of Instructor Chuck Doan (in back) from the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Training Program, Mobile Unit 15 in Carbondale.

How did they rate the experience? Some said it was the worst thing they had ever felt.

At far right is Sgt. John Lockhart. (Staff photo by Madison White)