Police Bring Out the Big Guns to Sharpen Skills

Seekonk Police officials arrived at the the night of Saturday, Dec. 4, armed with patrol rifles and shotguns. But they weren't there to bust up a robbery or engage in recreational target practice. Officers pulled out their weapons to make state qualifications, a bi-annual requirement that tests marksmanship.

Captain Craig Mace, 48, and Patrol Officer and Firearms Instructor Bruce Hoch, 59, readied themselves for hours in the cold as they loaded weapons for the second-to-last wave of department members. 

"Last night was warm," said Capt. Mace adjusting his gloves as he considered the evening's dropping temperature.

Massachusetts law mandates that police officials be reassessed in firearms proficiency twice a year. The Wampanoag Rod and Gun Club has been facilitating the force since the early 90s.

"This club is very good to our department. They're under no legal obligation to us," said Capt. Mace.

Last Saturday marked the last of three days of qualifying. By 7:30 p.m., a total of 54 officials had gone through the process. The 54 were split up into two or three groups each day.

Capt. Mace and Officer Hoch were assisted by Officers Gerald LaFleur, who is also a firearms instructor, and Arty Beaudoin. Between the four men and the help Capt. Mace's pickup truck, the loads of targets and guns were transported daily. 

Some police brought their own weapons. Officer Hoch brought his personal AR-15 patrol rifle for the qualifications. Specific provisions make it possible for trained personnel to own patrol weapons which match the make of the ones used on the force.

By 4:30 p.m., seven Seekonk Police officials were ready to take the test. The qualifications took an hour and a half to complete, after which the last group arrived at the range at 6 p.m.

The club's shooting range was fitted with cones and targets for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. For 50 rounds, each round was worth two points.

"We have some really good shooters. You'll see quite a few 100s and 90s," said Officer Hoch.

Each weapon was used in varying distances and drills. Capt. Mace and a lieutenant were the first to qualify with the semi-automatic patrol rifles that evening, making marks at the farthest distance of 75 yards.

Depending on on the round, the officers changed aiming tactics, including a failure drill which calls for three shots at the target; two in the torso, one in the head.

Even in receding light, the department has never had an issue with members meeting the qualification standards. If someone fails to meet the scores, they are retested and trained until their scores pass. 

"There's very little to no problem. . .We have a lot of training, pretty proficient," said Officer Hoch.

And upon inspection, every one of Capt. Mace's shots hit within the target.

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