Burlington Police Complete Advanced Firearms Training

Burlington Police completed firearms training from Nov. 17-25 in a Mobile Training Center provided by Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. (Courtesy Photo).

Burlington police officers recently completed six days of advanced firearms training to refine skills and better prepare themselves when responding to various incidents while in the field, according to Police Chief Michael Kent.

In partnership with Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, every year, officers use a state-of-the art mobile training center that’s equipped for live-fire. One hundred percent of the ammunition discharged is captured, preventing contamination to soil and groundwater that may occur in outdoor range

Chief Kent said he Mobile Training Center is an asset to the Burlington Police Department as it allows officers to receive vital training in a safe and realistic environment.

“As police officers, we must be prepared for every and any situation that may arise,” Chief Kent said.

The sheriff’s office provided the Burlington Police with the trailer to train in at no cost to the department from Nov.17-25. During the exercises, officers are placed in a realistic environment and must be prepared for situations that occur at night, inside buildings, in crowds, at vehicle stops and other low visibility or high-risk incidents. Officer practice using verbalization, decision making, moving targets and alternative uses of force to respond to a variety of scenarios.

“The firearms training provided us with very realistic scenarios to improve our skills and better prepares our officers to make the best and most efficient decisions while in the community protecting our residents,” said Detective Sgt. Timothy McDonough.

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office acquired the Mobile Training Center through a federal community policing grant in 2010. The Sheriff’s Office initiated the acquisition of the mobile firing range after local chiefs across the county raised concerns about the availability and affordability of appropriate and effective training for their officers.