Posted: 4/9/2009 6:32:54 AM EDT
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Elaborate Firearm Training Course
Posted Monday, April 6, 2009 ; 10:12 PM | Updated Monday, April 6, 2009 ; 11:52 PM Watch Story Video Authorites in Taylor County perfected their shooting skills on the range. Story by Karen Kiley Email | Bio | Other Stories by Karen Kiley GRAFTON –– The Taylor County Sheriff's Department set up an elaborate shooting range Monday to give officers practice with their firearms, but the training was much more than just your standard target practice. "Officers get shot doing what they think are routine things; answering noise complaints, domestics, traffic stops. It can happen at any time at any place," said Chief Robert Beltner with the Grafton City Police Department. Last weekends shooting in Pittsburgh, which killed three officers, is on the minds of local law enforcement officers. It's another reminder of the dangers that go along with the badge. "I don't want my guys with the mindset that something like this can't happen here," said Chief Beltner. Law enforcement in Taylor County set up a large-scale fire arms training course on Monday and while all officers must be certified in marksmanship, this course was not run of the mill. "So often we get stuck in the rigidity of just delivering rounds down range. In reality you're not getting the moving components down. The officers aren't moving like they would in a real life scenario," said Sgt Dayton Mayle with the Taylor County Sheriff's Department. Taylor County officials say this is the most elaborate course they have ever set up. It was designed to give officer real life experience. Officers trained to charge into a room and quickly identify who is a threat. They trained for routine traffic stops, turning violent. They practiced shooting moving targets and shielding their own bodies out of the line of fire. "It just hones their skills as a police officer so they don't become a casualty," said Sgt. Mayle. "The more training we give them, the more prepared they are to complete their job and go home safe," said Chief Beltner. It wasn't just Taylor County Sheriff's officers and Grafton City Police at the training. Officials from the Department of Natural Resources, Public Service Commission, CSX Railroad, Park officers, and State Police all attended. http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=56131 Video link: http://www.boomboxradio.net/boombox/PlayerSetup/Players/WBOYPlayer.aspx?FileId=167221_wboy |
