The Police Range-Master
By Richard Hannibal
Law Enforcement is the only profession outside the military that, when appropriate, is authorized to use deadly force against another human being. Cops begin their careers with a battery of mental, physical, and psychological tests to make sure their mindset is consistent with that sacred trust. An officer is then monitored throughout his or her career to assure they will ethically, morally, and tactically meet that fateful challenge if and when it ever occurs.
Some may think that an officer's mandatory time at the shooting range is merely target practice. It is much more than that. Of course, an officer must be accurate in his or her shooting ability. But, equally important is when to shoot and learning the multi-tasking that is required in a tactical shooting situation.
A million thoughts go through an officer's mind in a real-life shooting incident and this is what range training prepares us for.
"Is this a legal and ethical situation where deadly force is appropriate to protect my life or the lives of others?" "What are my surroundings; are there others around that may be affected by the discharge of my firearm?" "Are there less-lethal options?" "Are there multiple threats?"
In a real shooting incident, after the officer's mind has gone through the initial thought process, training takes over. Muscle memory guides the firearm from its holster and takes aim. And then, the ultimate decision is made. Proper aim and trigger pull techniques minimize risk to others and assures an end to the danger.
An appropriate end to the threat is the result of extensive training, both mental and physical. This is where a police department's Range Master is crucial. In Morro Bay we are blessed to have Master Firearms Instructor Ian McKnight working along side Chief Tim Olivas, Sergeant Manny Silva, and Sergeant Dave Bergantzel. They bring a wealth of education and experience to our scheduled range qualifications and training.
Even though I sometimes complain about the long, hot days spent at the range, I've had some experiences in my career that have shown me the value of a good Range Master. This, in addition to my deep respect and admiration of Ian McKnight, prompted the following letter.
An Open Letter to Master Firearms Instructor/ Range-Master, Ian McKnight
I know I whine and complain probably too much. And, spending all day in the sun around loud noises is not my favorite thing to do. But, I want to tell you that you are a huge blessing in our lives. We do not take you for granted. We know what sacrifices you make in time, money, and effort for the Morro Bay Police Department. And, I know it is a labor of love. The Morro Bay Police Department is extremely fortunate to have what I consider the very best Range Master in the state dedicated to them.
You know Ian, I'm not a religious man in the normal sense, but I believe we all have our personal ministries on this earth. There is no doubt that mine is in police work. The job has always put me in places and with people where I can utilize the power of the badge to perhaps make a little difference in their lives. And you dear Ian, have your ministry. You and people like you in my life have kept me alive long enough to fulfill my sacred trust and purpose. I am so thankful for all the Range Masters in my life that made me sweat in the hot sun around loud noises. They pulled me through several life / death shootings that if it wasn't for their efforts and training, I would not be here. I hated every minute of their efforts, but when the cold steel slid across leather, they were all there with me . . . Breath . . Focus . . Press the trigger . . Don't jerk it . . Sight picture . . Don't get tunnel vision . . and on and on. In all the life / death situations I've been involved in, these wonderful, blessed people were on my shoulder, whispering in my ear, giving me the confidence and the muscle memory to do what had to be done.
Ian, you share good company with those who came before you. You are the unsung hero behind the sea of blue that is keeping this tired old world from spinning out of control. You are appreciated, loved, and sometimes cursed in the hot sun around the loud noises. But, we need you and people like you. You make the difference and I am so very grateful to you and those who came before you. Thank you and those before you for giving me life and enabling me to enjoy another wonderful day in this beautiful world.
Signed: Richard Hannibal |
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Ian McKnight is a Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) and a National Rifle Association (NRA) certified Range Master and Firearms Instructor. In addition, Ian is a certified Range Operations and Development Technician and Certified Sig Sauer, Remington 870 and M-16 / AR-15 Armorer. He is also a certified Law Enforcement and Civilian Taser and Simunition Instructor. Ian is an active member of the California Range Masters Association and the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. Ian is also an accomplished writer and talented gun smith. Ian is a firearms instructor for applicant and recruit police officers at the Hancock College Police Academy. Ian not only teaches police officers how and when to use their firearms, but he also instructs citizens in firearm safety and proficiency. He also teaches specialized classes for folks wishing to obtain a Concealed Firearms Permit. Ian can be reached at: ukenshoot@msn.com
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