June, 2023
The Capt. James Small Firearms Training Facility held a 10 day, 80 hour NYS Firearms Instructor Course at its facility in Delhi, NY from June 5-9 and June 19-23. There were 16 students from 15 regional law enforcement (LE) agencies enrolled. All of them had at least 3 years experience in LE and the focus of the course was to train them to become certified in training others in the use of firearms.
The course included detailed use and performance of firearms, including qualifying tests on their knowledge and proficiency as well as their ability to apply their knowledge to volunteers. The officers were each assigned a volunteer, all of whom were in various stages of experience in the use of a firearm. In turn, a certified firearms instructor observed and critiqued the trainees in their ability to teach the volunteers. A total overall test score of at least 90% was needed for passing. “If they didn’t score a 90 percent, they were out,” noted Capt. James Small, Delhi PD training coordinator.
In addition, a written test was given the trainees and a passing score was also required.
Taking the course were: Gregory Martin and Steven Martinez with Eye Q Security, Corey Wengert with Norwich PD, Thomas Yawger, City of Fulton PD, Bret Reimer, Sullivan Co. Probation, James Sitnik, NYSUP@ESF, Cody Scholtes, Albany Co. Sheriff’s Off., Christopher LaCotta, David Burdick, and Cory Transue, Chenango Co. Sheriff’s Office, Philip Kibbe, NYS Office Fire Prevention and Control, Richard Sabin, SUNY ESF, Jason Bruck, Emmett Vedder and Brett McGuire, Ulster Co. Sherriff’s Off.
Instructors included: Capt. James Small, Logan Wood, Harold Stanton, Jr., and Eric Poggoli among others.
On Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m., the annual Rich Kelly Memorial Award will be presented to the outstanding officer in the instructor training program. It will coincide with the barbecue held at the range that evening.
