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Health & Fitness

At Home on the Range (Sort of)

Pulling out the "Big Guns!!!"

Saturday came and went and so did the rain and my trip to the Elm Grove Police Department's outdoor firing range.

I must say, although I'm a Hunter Safety Instructor, I really haven't spent a great deal of time using guns. The purpose behind me becoming an instructor was to help ensure that all hunters are safe. I was also recruited because I'm a woman and the DNR is trying to get more female instructors.

This being my inaugural year as instructor, I'm happy to report that the 2010 hunting season in Wisconsin was only the second time in state history that there were no fatalities. Fortunately, the same can be said about my visit to the police firing range.

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The 2011 Citizen Police Academy met at the Elm Grove Police Department at 8:15 am (for me it was 8:20 am because I overslept.) *Please note, I did not speed to get to the police department. We arrived at the range at about 9 am and were prepped on the safety measures for our experience. Safety goggles, ear protectors and gun safety steps were discussed in order to ensure a safe and wonderful experience.

You'll have to bear with me with the exact names of the firearms that I fired as I continue to learn more about them. I did have the opportunity to fire a couple of pistols, a shotgun and a machine gun. I was amazed by the power of the shotgun which nearly knocked me off my feet as I fired the first shot. It packed a good punch.  

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As we took turns firing the different weapons I gained a great respect for all of the guns and those who spend countless hours training to use them. No pun intended, but learning to use a gun is not a one "shot" activity. I realized that both muscle strength and accuracy are just two of the many things officers must focus on in order to become proficient at this aspect of their work. Although we were shooting at targets I also pondered the patience and quick thinking that they must undergo each time they need to decide the type of force that they must use in real life situations. Finally, I also imagined the mental thought process that must go into deciding to use a weapon on another human being. I'm not sure that I could do it.

My day at the range entailed a variety of emotions for me from nervousness to major adrenaline flow. I appreciate only greater the variety and depth of experience that police officers must possess in order to do their job which ultimately impacts all of us. Thanks to Sergeant Jason Kubiak and Officers Eric Schmitt and Evan Shano for making our experience safe, educational and fun. (Also, for the donuts, juice and coffee :)

This was a day that I will never forget!!!!

Kathy Vincent

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