Thanks in part to a $250,000 grant secured by State Senator Pamela Helming and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), the Ontario County Sheriff’s outdoor firing range is undergoing significant enhancement work.
According to County Administrator Christopher DeBolt, the firing range has been a cornerstone of training for Ontario County, Canandaigua City, State, and Federal agencies since its establishment in the mid-1970s. Recognizing the need for modernization and expansion, the County began planning and designing for upgrades at the site over a decade ago.
The primary objectives of the improvement project are to expand capacity while bolstering safety and environmental measures. Upgrades are anticipated to increase training opportunities and expand the use of the facility by other public safety organizations.
“Public safety is the cornerstone of any successful community and to secure it there is no job more important than that of our law enforcement officers. The enhancements to the firing range will serve a critical purpose that will allow our officers –at every level– to be prepared, well trained, and achieve the necessary certification,” said Senator Helming. “This initiative demonstrates multi-agency cooperation at its finest and will be invaluable to our community in ensuring public safety.”
Key upgrades at the range improvement project include widening the range from 80 feet to 120 feet, raising berms on the perimeter of the site to 15 feet, and the installation of a state-of-the-art bullet collection system.
The site’s utilities will also be improved for on-site infiltration of stormwater, enhanced lighting to facilitate training under various light conditions, and extension of sewer and water services to support potential future phases.
The total budget allocated for the project is $1.2 million reflecting a comprehensive investment in the safety and effectiveness of the firing range.
“Once completed, these improvements will ensure a safer and more environmentally friendly training environment for law enforcement personnel,” said Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione. “We are also pleased to expand the range’s capacity to accommodate a broader range of agencies and training scenarios.”
“Our law enforcement deserves the best training available and the updated firing range will ensure that the men and women on the streets every day protecting our public are well equipped for the job,” said New York State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. “Thank you to Senator Helming for securing much of the funding for these renovations and the Sheriff’s Department for their continued dedication to ensuring Ontario County training facilities are the finest available.”
“The improvements to the range will dramatically enhance the training capabilities of the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and many other law enforcement agencies that will have the opportunity to train there. We will all benefit,” said New York State Assemblywoman Marge Byrnes.
Geneva Police Department, Canandaigua Police Department, Department of Environmental Conservation Police, Finger Lakes Community College campus police, Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy, and the Veteran’s Administration are also expected to use the facility for training exercises.
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