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The Strike Report - August 2008 QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
Dallas Police Department, Firearms Training Center Each year the Dallas Police Department holds their blood and sweat "Top Gun" event at the department's Firearms Training Center. Just to be invited to the event as a participant takes enormous effort that is comprised of good mental focus and solid technical firearms skills. To gain a slot and be invited to attend this shooting event, officers must first shoot a perfect 100 score on the Spring qualification course or a 99.6 with a high X-count (30 or better). The men and women (yes, I did say women, They too have participated in Top Gun) who manage to accomplish this, will fall into a category that places them as the top one percent shooters in the department. It is quite an achievement just to get there. To be sure, there is always a core group of individuals who seem to consistently finish at the top and get invited back each year - who are always pushing themselves and their skills to new levels. These men and women lead by example and are to be commended for their personal achievement and the excellence they seek within themselves. However, their worst nightmare is starting to unfold...it is the roar of new young lions coming on the scene in an attempt to take over the pride (with their guns of course...and I LIKE IT!) This year's event will have for the first time 40 perfect 100 score shooters that will be attending. In fact, there were some 100 shooters who were not invited because their X-count was not high enough and that has never happened before! THAT IS OUTSTANDING SHOOTING PROFICIENCY! To make the "Top Gun" event more interesting and to build new challenges, a different theme is selected each year. This year it is dedicated to the adventures of that well known action hero, "Indiana Jones." The course is set up for accuracy, speed and tactical skills without being penalized. The participant isn't just doing a bunch of shooting but is required to THINK through this process as well. The need for mental focusing is just as important as shooting proficiency skills. The firearms training staff does an excellent job of putting this program together as well as getting sponsors each year who donate the prizes given. This year the prizes ranged from pistols to a shotgun, to an Aimpoint, EoTech, knives, shooting glasses, tactical bags, a quad-rail forend for an AR-15, flashlights, gift cards, plaques and cash, and well, the list goes on and on. Many of these prizes came from SWAT Sgt. Joe Maines and FTC Instructor Mark Paghi from the "5:11 Challenge" event where they came in second place nationally. Also, each year Sgt. Tony Takats, of the K-9 Unit, donates a delicious BBQ lunch and does so voluntarily to support the officers and the Top Gun event. Without the support and sponsorship of so many individuals and the very hard work of the range staff, this annual event would not be nearly as successful. A special thanks goes to Chief Danny Garcia for coming out each year to show his leadership and support. I like seeing that in a leader and so did the troops who were there. Thank you Chief Garcia! As you know this event is held each year in July, and it is HOT, HOT, HOT! Hydration is extremely important when you're in the sun and exerting yourself physically. The donation received from Stacie Sipes and the people at "Smartwater" was much appreciated and there was very little left at the end of the day. HOW THEY RANKED: This year's Top Gun winners were: FIRST PLACE - Scott McDonnold, SECOND PLACE - Robert Cockerill and THIRD PLACE - Chris Webb. Congratulations to all of them for a job well done! All of you must realize by now how passionate George and I are about this annual event that is held each year at the Dallas Police Department's Firearms Training Center. It is both a privilege and an honor to be able to work and sponsor the "One Percent Shooters'" in this intense and dynamic day of shooting. TOP GUN - PHOTOS:   A portion of the prize table Note the intensity and focus   A little hydration! Standards!   At the Action Targets - Off-hand! Center stage on the main line   The practice bowl "Get Some!" Awaiting results... 
Scott McDonnold takes 1st placeAs a final thought I would like to personally thank Sgt. Paul Stanford - Range Master for Dallas, and his entire staff for their commitment and hard work. They are the ones who make it happen each year and make it such a successful event. Those of you who have taken classes with George and I know one other thing...we like dynamic intensity, aggressiveness, and a warrior's heart! The Top Gun morning starts out with people chumming around together, a little laughter and good kidding but by the time Sgt. Stanford takes the stage and begins the briefing, the mood has changed. The lions cease their roar and...the fight's on! I like that!
Jack C. Perritt |
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