Norman, Olkahoma Police Honor Pete Brownell for Contributions to Shooting Facility

NORMAN, OK – In an era of ongoing budget cuts and reduced city revenues, local police departments and other agencies are often asked to do more and more with less and less. These budget shortfalls can result in a range of consequences, including a lack of adequate training opportunities. Through an infusion of resources from the private sector in the form of a generous donation from a firearms industry leader, the Norman Police Department and personnel from 20 different local, state and federal agencies will now benefit from enhanced targeting systems on the shooting range.
This spring, Pete Brownell, CEO of Brownells Inc., received word from Gary Giudice, president and founder of Norman-based Blue Heron Communications, that the shooting target systems at the Royce O. Whettle Norman Police Department Training Facility were in desperate need of an upgrade. Brownell responded in kind, working with Giudice to coordinate a donation of more than $30,000 in advanced targeting systems that will be utilized by SWAT Teams, snipers and other law enforcement officers. Read more

Many POMA members, outdoor industry professionals, and outdoorsmen have been the subject of threats on social media. Some so violent and graphic they make your skin crawl. The industry is so concerned that an impromptu meeting of industry representatives was held at the 2014 SHOT Show to discuss the situation and possible action. Now, the Supreme Court of the United States is involved. On June 16, 2014 the Supreme Court announced it would hear a case involving threats made over Facebook. Is this the case the outdoor industry has been waiting for to support? 
The 23 new officers now enter 18 weeks of field training partnered with more experienced conservation officers in the counties in which they have been assigned. The academy and ongoing support for the graduates is funded in the DNR budget through a General Fund appropriation approved by the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder. 