It’s been a while since I have been on a firing range, but I had the opportunity this past week to visit the range on Shull Road in Hartselle to learn about what the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office calls range week – a week every year during which every member in the agency who carries a firearm is required be reassessed on their shooting accuracy.  

I learned about the vigorous training Morgan County deputies undergo every year to keep their skills sharp, and I learned from the best.   

The instructors of the class are required to maintain a 100 score, when the minimum score required by the state is a 70. Mike Swafford with the sheriff’s office told me the majority of deputies in our county score in the mid–90s range – and I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel a little safer.  

Since I recently had surgery on my wrist, I had to shoot with my non-dominant hand, and even though I was standing fairly close to the target, I guess I could have shot worse.  

It was interesting to see the training and care that goes into range week. You can read the story in this week’s paper and see some of the photos in print and online too.  

Those who wear a uniform and badge every day are tasked with a huge responsibility. Their jobs are among the toughest there are, and I’m thankful for their willingness and sacrifice.  

I know the responsibility is something the men and women of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office don’t take lightly, and as a citizen of Morgan County, that’s something else that makes me feel safe.