Handgun Team in charity shoot

Proceeds will help canine officer

Six Trine University Handgun Team members set their sights on an act of kindness Oct. 25, distinguishing themselves as sharpshooters in the process.

Trine’s team is part of the Tau Alpha Omicron (TAO) chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, and annually brings home prestigious awards from regional and national ACJA competitions. But this group pitted themselves against law enforcement officers and others in the K-9 Dunna Practical Police Combat (PCC) Benefit Shoot in Coldwater, Mich., bringing home another three trophies, said Trine Criminal Justice, Psychology and Social Sciences Department chair Craig Laker, who co-advises the team with the department’s John Milliken.

This time they targeted something bigger than taking home trophies, however—raising funds for the medical treatment of a retired Branch County Sheriff Deputy, K-9 Dunna. The canine officer was diagnosed with cancer and removed from service. The pistol competition was organized by concerned Branch County, Mich. citizens.

“There is that brotherhood among police officers,” said Corey Cox, president of Trine’s TAO chapter. “Whether it’s a human officer or dog, it’s nice to see people from all over come together to help.” Coldwater citizens solicited donations from their community for the canine officer as well.

The Trine students competed with 40 other shooters, firing while sitting, prone, and around barricades. Cox won first place by shooting a 457 out of 600 in the intermediate division, while Vincent Kessler won first place and Jamie Warner second place by notching 330 and 265 in the novice division.

“It’s amazing. I love it,” said Warner, a freshman in the Trine criminal justice program. “You can really contact people in the field and get your foot in the door.”

“This is a great day for the Trine University criminal justice students,” Laker said.