http://www.theindependent.com/stories/10112007/new_accident11.shtml
And my letter:
http://www.theindependent.com/stories/10122007/opi_letters12.shtml
By Sarah Schulz
[email protected]
A shooting at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center has officially been ruled accidental but has prompted a review of the Grand Island Police Department's protocols and policies.
An officer was shot Tuesday afternoon following a training session on the LETC's firing range, said Grand Island police Capt. Robert Falldorf.
One officer was cleaning a .45 caliber handgun when the weapon discharged. The bullet struck a stainless steel table, which is used as a stand for cleaning guns, before striking the other officer, Falldorf said.
The injured officer was hit in the ribs on the side of his chest. He was treated and released from St. Francis Medical Center Tuesday, Police Chief Steve Lamken said previously.
Falldorf said the names of the officers will not be released by the department.
Both officers have taken time off of work, he said.
Falldorf said he didn't know whether the magazine had been removed from the handgun prior to the cleaning. He added that the gun discharged but didn't malfunction.
The injured officer wasn't wearing a protective vest at the time of the accident. Falldorf said vests aren't required by the department for officers who are on duty or who are attending training at the LETC. The officers have to purchase their own vests and the department doesn't have a policy requiring the use of one, he said.
Tuesday's training session was for firearms recertification, which must be done once a year. Falldorf said officers typically undergo firearms training at least twice a year.
The training was being led by Sgt. Steve Rathman, who is a range instructor for the Police Department, Falldorf said.
As a result of the accidental shooting, the department will be looking at its general safety policies regarding guns. It has been some time since the policies have been reviewed and Falldorf said it was time to see if updates are needed.
And my letter:
http://www.theindependent.com/stories/10122007/opi_letters12.shtml
With regard to the recent front page article about a Grand Island police officer being injured at the training center, your writers and readers should be aware that this was not an "accidental discharge" as you stated. What occurred was a negligent discharge.
The dictionary defines accidental as "arising from extrinsic cause; occurring unexpectedly or by chance," while negligent is defined as "failing to exercise the care expected of a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances; marked by a carelessly easy manner."
Clearly, the extrinsic cause in this event was the mishandling of a loaded firearm.
Knowledgeable firearm owners and users should be aware of "The Four Rules" and adhere to them at all times. These rules are: 1) All guns are always loaded; 2) Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy; 3) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to fire; 4) Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. The beauty of the four rules is that you generally have to break more than one for a tragedy to occur. These rules are held in very high regard by the firearms community and were originated by the late Col. Jeff Cooper.
While I am sure no malice was intended, the officer whose firearm discharged negligently handled his weapon. Some firearm designs require the user to pull the trigger to disassemble the weapon for cleaning and maintenance. However, it is of the utmost importance to always clear the weapon and then double and triple check to make sure there is no magazine in the pistol and that the chamber is empty by doing a visual inspection.
I wish a fast recovery for both officers involved.
Me
Nebraska
