Page 47 - FOP JUNE Newsletter

Casiano, who spent 13 years as a firearms instructor, said of the participating vendors.
Representatives from Glock, Colt, Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer were also available to inspect and re- pair guns after each firearm received a cleaning from Michigan-based Super Quick Clean Guns. Casiano explained there’s an etiquette involved in having a firearm serviced: Cleaning first and then inspected, and that’s just how it went.
Casiano and other lodge members directed officers to the cleaning area first, where workers moved at a smooth pace to break down the guns, swab out res- idue, dust and debris, lubricate and re-assemble the weapon while officers watched and waited across the table.
From there, officers made their way to the manu- facturer tables.
“These guys see so much, they know what they’re looking for,” Casiano said while walking the event and talking about firearm innovations.
Smith & Wesson regional sales manager Ken Para- dise said for models made in the past 15 to 20 years, springs are the part to keep an eye on, especially in the ammunition clip because of the constant com- pression and expansion they endure.
“You need to replace the springs ... like replacing tires on a car,” Paradise explained.
Added Casiano, “The more moving parts you have, the more problems you can have.”
Retired Detective Allen Jaglowski called the event a “great idea.”
“It’s a great service that’s provided,” Jaglowski, who retired after nearly four decades on the job, said. “You’re going to get an extremely good cleaning.”
For those who missed the opportunity to attend safety days, Casiano suggested officers clean their firearm every two weeks or as soon as possible after firing it. He added they need “to be a little more on top of it” with personal firearms which can be more prone to dust and moisture because they are carried close to the body and under clothing.
Casiano said officers can always send their weap- ons to the manufacturer for service or visit a local store, like the new DS Arms pro shop and showroom, for inspections and cleanings.
“Who knows the product better than the manufac- turer?” he said.
It all comes down to being prepared for the possi- bility of having to use the firearm without thinking twice about whether it will work properly.
“You want to make sure the time you draw your weapon ... you’re focused on the task at hand,” Ca- siano said. “You take care of (your firearm), it will take care of you.” d
Russ Mallek, General Manager at DS Arms in Lake Barrington, was one of the local manufacturers to help members with care of their rearms.
Members had a chance to learn more about the cleaning and mainte- nance of their duty weapons from Kiesler Police Supply.
Lodge 7 First Vice-President noted that Firearms Safety Days was an op- portunity for members to take care of weapons and learn more about the maintenance of their guns.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2016 47