2008 NRA National Police Shooting Championship
The 46th annual NRA National Police Shooting Championship (NSPC) wrapped up in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 25th.
Home to the world Class competition for the past three years, Albequerque is a “great location with close–to–perfect
weather,” according to Glen Hoyer, Director of the Law Enforcement Activities Division. Approximately 400 law
enforcement personnel came out from all reaches of law enforcement in not only the United States, but the world as
well. This year the NPSC incorporated new events into its schedule appealing to the varying preferences of its competitors.
In addition to the Police Combat, a new event called the New Mexico Challenge, a duty handgun and equipment match for
those new to shooting, was added, and a Tactical Police Competition was held in the days leading up to the NPSC.
More than $250,000 was given out in trophies and prizes during the awards ceremony, presenting one of the finest prize tables in law enforcement competitive shooting. U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert M. Vadasz took top honors as he masterfully shot his way to the title of champion with a cumulative score of 2980-195x, adding the competition to a growing list of accomplishments. Earlier this year at the NRA Bianchi Cup in Columbus, Missouri, Agent Vadasz took home first place in the Metallic Sight championship. He also won the Semi–Automatic Pistol Championship in last years NPSC and placed third overall in 2006.
The value of NRA's National Police Shooting Championships lies in the fact that this competition realistically tests law enforcement shooting skills. Starting with guns holstered, competitor' fire timed matches with both revolvers and semi–automatic pistols from varying distances and positions. Its refreshing to see a championship where training and skill improvement is emphasized as much if not more than the actual competition itself.
Chief Referee, Dwight Van Horn, now in his third year as head referee, takes his duties very seriously. “As a referee, you're here, and all these guys out here are friends. Now you’Äôre watching their positions to make sure they're within the rules,” he says with a smile. “You work hard to make sure they got the proper shot value and by the same token you don't want to give them something that they're not entitled to.” As a past competitor and champion shooter himself, Van Horn brings a sharp and experienced eye to his job.
Captain Phillip Hemphill nine–time National Police Shooting Champion was also on hand as a NPSC referee. Danielle Sturgis, Media coordinator for NRA, spoke with him about his new position as a non–competitor at this years event. “It feels strange,” he said.
“It's really hard because I always want to help people, but as a referee, you just can't. If I see someone with a bad stance, I want to go over and help them. It's hard to keep from giving advice.” He was watching Robert Vadasz closely on the line during the first relay of the Open Class Semi–Auto Pistol 1500.
I asked Hemphill if he considered Vadasz to be a student of his, and he said, “I talk to him about the mental stuff a lot, if that's what you mean.”
So does Hemphill think Vadasz has what it takes to be the NPSC's next shooting star?
“He has the mechanics down. It's the mental stuff. I tell him you can't take this too seriously. So, yes, he has the potential.” Coming from one of the best pistol shooters in the world, Vadasz can consider that a compliment.
Two time Champion Det. Stefanie Diaz of the Los Angeles Police Department claimed High Woman honors with a score of 2939–153x.
Held since1962, NPSC is just one of many programs directed by NRA's Law Enforcement Activities Division. These programs are supported by the Davidson's Law Enforcement Training Endowment of the NRA Foundation, which includes a generous donation from Brownells, Inc., as well as other firearm and equipment manufacturers and businesses.
This years Competition could not have been possible without the continual support from great sponsors, including Brownells, ProForce Law Enforcement, BlackHawk, Beretta USA, SIG Sauer, FNH USA, Colt, Smith & Wesson, DPMS Panther Arms, and Glock, among others.
For more information about NPSC, visit www.nrahq.org. Pictures courtesy of nrablog.com.
