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WEAPONS TRAINING UNIT

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Weapons Training Unit

The Weapons Training unit (WTU) was formed circa 1974 when Sheriff John Duffy hired retired USMC Colonel Bill McMillan as the Weapons Training Coordinator. The 1974 unit consisted of Bill McMillan and the Department's sworn Rangemaster.

As the department grew, the need to have structured firearms qualifications and ongoing firearms training was evident. Additional training staff was needed to accommodate this growth.

Today, the Weapons Training Unit consists of (19) civilian and sworn personnel: (1) Lieutenant, (1) Sergeant (designated Rangemaster), (1) civilian assistant weapons coordinator, (5) law enforcement deputies, (2) corrections deputies, (5) reserve deputies, and (5) range guards.

Our training responsibilities include:

• Conducting department firearms qualifications
• Continuous in-service and basic firearms training 
• Firearms safety classes
• Public range safety inspections and approvals 
• Concealed weapons testing 
• Testing and evaluation of safety equipment
• and daily operation of four Sheriff's ranges 

The current Rangemaster is:   Don Crist

Past Rangemasters have been: Charles Campe, Don Nix, Tom Cleary, Al Courtney, Terry Wilder, El Helzer, Jim Moulton, Bob Evans, Eldon Carl and Ray Kanagy.

Many others have served as firearms instructors teaching, instructing, and qualifying department personnel. 

Department personnel or units within the department who desire firearms training may contact the Weapons Training Unit at (858) 565-3070 or e-mail us requesting your training needs.