The Prattville Police Department conducted training last week to train all officers on the new AR-15 patrol rifles. Officers learned about nomenclature, disassembly, reassembly, mechanical operation, care and cleaning, preventive maintenance, adjusting their sights, shooting positions and much more. Each class of officers goes through eight hours of initial training before being issued a patrol rifle.

Safety is the main focus both in class and on the range. Instructors Lt. Wayne Barlow, Lt. David Williams, Investigator Mike Vineyard, and Officer Donnie Walker demonstrated every step of the training multiple times and then assisted officers while they repeated what they had seen. Officers were required to disassemble and reassemble their weapons several times in the classroom before being allowed to proceed to the firing range.

Once on the range, officers sighted the rifles for zero with help from the instructors. Officers fired the rifles at various distances in several positions and made adjustments based on their shot patterns. Class sizes were kept to a minimum to ensure safety both in the classroom and outside on the range.

"I'm glad the officers will have this tool and hope they never have to use it," stated Instructor Lt. Wayne Barlow.

All of the PPD instructors must attend a nationally recognized firearms instructor course prior to teaching any class. The City of Prattville is proud to acknowledge that there was a cooperative effort between the Prattville and the Millbrook Police Departments. Millbrook Police Chief P. K. Johnson sent several of his officers over to attend the Patrol Rifle Course.

"I really appreciate the support that we have received from Chief Wadsworth and his staff in regards to the patrol rifle program," said Lt. Wayne Barlow. "Their support has allowed us to make forward progress to ensure our officers will be safer and better prepared to deal with active shooter situations."

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