Museum Notes

As the years start to pass, with another come and gone, we will start to notice, that time does not stand still.  Being a police officer and working in the law enforcement community is truly a rewarding career, with a lifetime of dedication and devotion to those we may not even know.  Some say it is a thankless position, but for those who know it well, the gratitude and thanks and praise comes from within, just knowing we did the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason, for the right person, every chance we get. Just like many of those whom we proudly serve and dedicate our very lives too, who suffer from life’s debilitating ways and suffer from the harshness of reality, our families too, fall pray to catastrophic events. Whether it is a medical or financial burden, in this day in time, we all need each other and all the help we can get; this year is no exception.  In conjunction with the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum, The American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens and the Families of the Shield, we are proud to announce our first annual Motorcycle Run.

The event will be host on the 14th of November, 2009 (Saturday) @ Brevard Community College (Melbourne).  All proceeds will go to assist fellow officers, family members and children, police support personnel and with a contribution back into the society that we all must live within.

 

     Summer has been busy here at the nation’s oldest and largest museum dedicated to the men and women of law enforcement.  We have enjoyed providing tours to many summer camp groups and to the programs conducted by local police departments.  It is refreshing to see groups come back year after year and to add new ones to the schedule.  We have had thousands of visitors from all over the United States come to see the items on display and to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice by spending some time reflecting in the Memorial that has the name, rank and departmental affiliation of the more than 9,000 police officers killed in the line of duty since 1960 engraved on the marble walls of the Memorial which forms the centerpiece of the Museum.

     Planning is underway for celebration of the 50th anniversary of The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum with events throughout the year.  This is a special milestone for any organization and one for which we are very proud.  We have several special commemorative exhibit items being prepared by friends of the museum and the law enforcement community and we look forward to being able to tell you about them.  Since some are still in the preparation stages, we can’t disclose them yet.  We should have them all lined up in the next few months and will provide full details then.  The opportunity remains for additional items to be donated.  If you know of any companies that provide materials to law enforcement that may be interested in setting up commemorative editions please encourage them to contact us soon.

 

Shooting Center Bullets

 

     We have had a wonderful summer at The Shooting Center with families from all over America visiting the museum and enhancing their experience with shooting as a family at one of the finest indoor ranges in the country.  Many of them have never used a firearm and our NRA certified staff considers it an honor and a privilege to teach them proper firearms safety as they enjoy the shooting sports and develop an appreciation for the skills and competencies required of those in law enforcement and the military.  We now have eleven outside companies who use the range for firearms and personal safety training and we are continuing on a record pace for attendance.

      Our shooting leagues are going ‘great guns’!  We have leagues for high power handgun, tactical/practical and 22 rifle, so we provide a place for enthusiasts of many disciplines to enjoy the shooting sports.  Have you been to your local range lately?

    

 

Training Center Update

 

     The calendar for the Training Center is beginning to fill up for the fall and year end as it has developed a reputation as a great place for all kinds of events.  We have everything here including wedding receptions, Red Hats, 50th anniversary parties, Boy & Girl Scout dances, United Space Alliance and Police Academy graduation ceremonies, Florida Institute of Technology training sessions and Chamber of Commerce meetings.  We recently hosted events for the local Pop Warner football league, Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmos and the Space Coast Economic Development Council.

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