U.S. Embassy Donates Firing Range to Armenia's Law Enforcement

On June 22, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern and Armenia's Chief of Police Lieutenant-General Vladimir Gasparyan officially opened a Firing Range facility donated by the U.S. Government to Armenia's law enforcement community.

The modernly furnished firing range is equipped with a 50-meter-long range with moving targets, service rooms, and administrative offices.

This donation is part of a comprehensive U.S. Government law enforcement and criminal justice assistance program that aims to develop the ability of Armenian law enforcement structures to combat crime and administer justice according to international standards and best practices.

Gasparyan and Haffern were introduced to the technically equipped capacities of the firing range facility; they also tried their shooting skills. In his congratulatory remarks the Ambassador said, “I am very glad to be present at the opening of the firing range facility. Your police officers are well prepared. The US government is happy to support the Armenian government and law-enforcement bodies to strengthen their capacities and skills.”

Ambassador Haffern also highly evaluated the reforms within the police and specifically emphasized the role of the Chief of Police Vladimir Gasparyan. “We are very glad about cooperation because after your appointment you are building a system you are conducing to a very important factor – establishment of trust between the police and the people.”

Having thanked for the donation, Vladimir Gasparyan highly evaluated the cooperation. “I am thankful that you have accepted our ideas and agreed to support. We think alike. We only want to establish a normal, fair and honest police,” he said.

Let’s mention that officers of others law-enforcement bodies can also train at the firing range facility.