Deputies of Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office will now have an opportunity that’s not been available to them in the past, and a major part of their basic training can now be conducted closer to home.
“We’re going to be able to qualify with our service weapons at our very own firing range,” said firearms instructor Capt. Joel Thomas. “Last year, the Webster Parish Police Jury allotted a portion of land at the old penal farm to be developed into our very own shooting range.”
Since that time, Thomas said the police jury has been busy building a very safe and secure area for weapons training. A dedicated training building will be constructed on site, where not only Webster deputies but those from surrounding parishes plus officers from police departments in the area will be invited to take part in training.
“We will also have our own Instructor and Range Safety Officers who will be assigned to the range when it’s open,” said Sheriff Jason Parker. “This is a big step forward for the Sheriff’s office. We have always had to reach out to other agencies for help when it came time for annual firearms qualifications. Now we will have the ability to extend a helping hand like other agencies have done for us in the past.”
Members of law enforcement will have more than a place to sharpen their skills with service weapons when the range is completed. Training will include low light and night fire drills, decision making drills, and using cover and concealment to their advantage.
“There will also be less lethal munitions training held at the range to give officers every option available to ensure the best outcome possible for situations they may face,” Thomas said.
Law enforcement personnel won’t be the only ones who will reap benefits from the new range and training center. The facility will also be a place of learning for the people of Webster Parish.
“I believe a well-informed and professionally trained citizen is an asset to the community,” Parker said. “The Sheriff’s Department will host firearm safety training to the public as well as open the range to the public at various times throughout the year. This will give the residents of Webster Parish a place to sight in rifles or just enjoy target practice in a safe environment.”
Thomas said the Sheriff’s office received a major boost in equipping the new range through a grant from Calumet Specialty Products. On Jan. 30, Thomas attended a session at Calumet’s Shreveport headquarters where Webster, along with several other northwest Louisiana agencies, received equipment.
“We received $5,000 in equipment including instant feedback steel targets, rifle rated portable steel targets, and a moving target system, Thomas said. “These will be used to challenge our deputies with engaging targets not only while the deputy is moving, but to give them a target that moves as well. These donations are greatly appreciated.”
Thomas said Calumet is a longtime supporter of First Responders in the area. The company holds an annual golf tournament to help raise funds for area First Responders, with the next event scheduled for May 10 at Northwood Hills Golf Club.
Deputies of Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office will now have an opportunity that’s not been available to them in the past, and a major part of their basic training can now be conducted closer to home.
“We’re going to be able to qualify with our service weapons at our very own firing range,” said firearms instructor Capt. Joel Thomas. “Last year, the Webster Parish Police Jury allotted a portion of land at the old penal farm to be developed into our very own shooting range.”
Since that time, Thomas said the police jury has been busy building a very safe and secure area for weapons training. A dedicated training building will be constructed on site, where not only Webster deputies but those from surrounding parishes plus officers from police departments in the area will be invited to take part in training.
“We will also have our own Instructor and Range Safety Officers who will be assigned to the range when it’s open,” said Sheriff Jason Parker. “This is a big step forward for the Sheriff’s office. We have always had to reach out to other agencies for help when it came time for annual firearms qualifications. Now we will have the ability to extend a helping hand like other agencies have done for us in the past.”
Members of law enforcement will have more than a place to sharpen their skills with service weapons when the range is completed. Training will include low light and night fire drills, decision making drills, and using cover and concealment to their advantage.
“There will also be less lethal munitions training held at the range to give officers every option available to ensure the best outcome possible for situations they may face,” Thomas said.
Law enforcement personnel won’t be the only ones who will reap benefits from the new range and training center. The facility will also be a place of learning for the people of Webster Parish.
“I believe a well-informed and professionally trained citizen is an asset to the community,” Parker said. “The Sheriff’s Department will host firearm safety training to the public as well as open the range to the public at various times throughout the year. This will give the residents of Webster Parish a place to sight in rifles or just enjoy target practice in a safe environment.”
Thomas said the Sheriff’s office received a major boost in equipping the new range through a grant from Calumet Specialty Products. On Jan. 30, Thomas attended a session at Calumet’s Shreveport headquarters where Webster, along with several other northwest Louisiana agencies, received equipment.
“We received $5,000 in equipment including instant feedback steel targets, rifle rated portable steel targets, and a moving target system, Thomas said. “These will be used to challenge our deputies with engaging targets not only while the deputy is moving, but to give them a target that moves as well. These donations are greatly appreciated.”
Thomas said Calumet is a longtime supporter of First Responders in the area. The company holds an annual golf tournament to help raise funds for area First Responders, with the next event scheduled for May 10 at Northwood Hills Golf Club.
