In the works since October of 2011, the new firing range, which meets state qualification standards, is now completed, Chief Mark Macon said, and first used September 26.

It is located on Mush Island and is only for law enforcement use.

The new range ends the longtime use of a facility in Enfield, Macon said. “It's going to save money on transportation costs and allow all officers to participate at the same time.”

While the state requires once a year training, Macon said his officers train twice a year.

Sign denoting range.

Coastal Lumber granted the police department a permit to use a portion of the land for the range and the department designed it to meet state training and standards specifications. There is a 25-yard line for handgun qualification and a 100-yard line for rifle training.

Construction of the range, which includes a required 8-foot berm, became a department-wide project. “The police officers were instrumental in doing it,” Macon said, collecting wood and old tires to help firm the foundation.

The Environmental Protection Agency also had to grant its approval before the range could be used.

Dominion Power donated old poles to string cable wire to hold targets.

Classroom work for qualifying is still done at Halifax Community College.

The location, Macon said, is perfect for the department's needs. “It's a good location. It doesn't create a lot of noise.”