The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center won the 2005 Department of
Homeland Security’s Environmental Achievement Award for its state-of-the-art
firearms tactical re-qualification facility at its Cheltenham (MD) training
"This range surpasses all environmental standards for contemporary firearms
training, while providing training in support of Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies," explained Connie Patrick, FLETC Director.
boasts several environmental friendly features including; an innovated design
that totally prevents objectionable noise pollution from escaping the building,
special noise absorbing features prevent hearing damage for trainers and
students, a modern hazardous waste system that traps almost 100 percent of
expended bullets, and one of the most technologically advanced heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems of its kind. The HVAC system
uses state-of-the-art automated controls and system alarms, with an advanced
HEPA system to prevent the transfer of airborne lead contamination.
facility houses seven separate ranges, plus weapons and ammunition storage for a
combined total of 151,605 square feet under one roof. According to Patrick, it
is the largest indoor range known to exist in the United States.
"We consider this facility the model for all future range design," said
Patrick. "We will continue to borrow existing and innovative concepts to
develop and construct environmentally efficient Government firing range training