PEWAUKEE - You will never guess who came for dinner.
On May 1, Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) kicked off a fundraiser for the new indoor tactical range with "An Evening with Clay Matthews."
Assoc. Dean of Law Enforcement at WCTC, Brian Dorow, said that Matthews was a natural fit for being enthusiastic, energetic and an all-around class act.
Visitors had the chance to get a picture or autograph with Matthews. He also participated in the live auction, autographing items and answering a handful of audience questions.
The event offered gourmet food, prepared by the culinary students, in addition to the live and silent auctions. About 375 people attended, including a few tables of area police officers and their families.
Introductory remarks by Village of Hartland Police Chief Robert Rosch made a few jibs at Bears and Vikings fans, but also reminded the audience how vital the training facility is for the community.
WCTC's indoor firing range will provide training for the Police Academy students, refresher opportunities for law enforcement officers or officers who seek professional growth and development. It will be staffed by WCTC instructors and when it's not in use it will be open to the public on a membership basis.
"It truly is a partnership. When we first started this project, we reached out to all areas of law enforcement in Southeastern Wisconsin and received support from every level," Dorow said.
The facility is already receiving a significant amount of support from public and private sector.
"I think you should do because it's a benefit to the community. We don't have anything like it," event sponsor InPro Corporation's Steve Ziegler said.
Dorow explained that while WCTC may be the premier law enforcement training center in the area, there is no indoor firearm training site in the area. That's why the 12-lane, 25-yard state-of-the-art facility is needed for things like scenario-based training and tactical applications.
When the project was initially approved, it was estimated at $1.4 million and Dorow said he would like to raise at least 30 percent through community donations.
"We've received an incredible amount of support because it's a great project and it's for the right reason," he said.
Support is still needed to for the indoor tactical range. You can reach Dorow during business hours at WCTC by phone (262) 691-5374.
Fundraising
Many community entities helped pay for a fundraising event for Waukesha County Technical College's indoor shooting range planned to begin construction this year. Others have stepped in as construction sponsors as organizers of the project hope to raise at least 30 percent of the estimated $1.4 million cost through community donations.
Event sponsors
InPro Corporation
Beer Capitol
Century Fence
Cooper Power Systems
Couri Insurance
DUECO
Jim Lindenberg
Krav Maga
Stanek Tool Corporation
Waukesha State Bank
WCTC Foundation
Construction Sponsors
Goff's Enterprises
Exterior Plus
First Supply
Johnson Controls
Pieper Power, Inc.
Precision Cutting
R&W Trucks
Spancrete
Total Mechanical
T.V. John & Son, Inc.
VJS Construction Services