Page 11 - Summer 2017 Final

Aiming For Zero

Firearms Training Unit Shoots to Support Non-Profit That Helps Struggling Veterans

On May 12, 2017, five members of the friendly targets were severe. It was important
Massachusetts State Police Firearms Training Unit to shoot consistently throughout the day with a
(FTU) and the State Police armorer took part in a balance of speed and precision.
shooting competition in Epping, New Hampshire,
to benefit veterans and their families. All MSP members performed well against
experienced competitors which included others in
law enforcement, the military, and civilians. The
most notable accomplishment from the team came
from Trooper Dennis Doti, who added to his already
impressive shooting resume with a 3 place finish
rd
in a very tough division. The only competitors to
place higher (1st & 2nd place) were professional,
sponsored shooters. All MSP competitors worked
hard throughout the day, reflecting well on the
department. More importantly, they took the
time to support a most worthy cause.

(L to R)John Lanpher, Sean McClintock, Dave
Harrington, John Boland, Derek Gordon, Dennis Doti

The competition, called Aiming For Zero,
was put on by the non-profit organization, Active
Heroes. Aiming For Zero provides the national
competitive shooting community a channel
through which to focus their efforts to support
ending veteran suicide. Active Heroes works with
ranges to connect veterans who are struggling,
with trained peer mentors. Since a majority of
suicides comes at the hand of a firearm, it became
a priority of Active Heroes to reach the veteran
shooting community. This endeavor has proven
to be very successful in supporting veterans within
the community.

MSP Troopers Dennis Doti, Sean McClintock,
Derek Gordon, John Lanpher, and John Boland,
as well as State Police Armorer, Sergeant Doug
Flavin, took part in the competition. The match
involved 9 challenging stages featuring both
moving and static targets. During most stages,
competitors were required to shoot on-the-move
while engaging both steel and paper targets. To
increase the difficulty level, “no-shoot” targets If you would like to learn more about
were interspersed throughout the stages at various Active Heroes, please visit their website at https://
angles. The penalties for misses and/or hitting activeheroes.org/.

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