BRTC Attends SHOT Show in Las Vegas

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Chuck Coe, Governor Hutchinson, Dr. Brad Baine, Mark Mosier

POCAHONTAS, AR Feb. 21–Dr. Brad Baine, Vice President of Academics; Chuck Coe, Gunsmithing Instructor; and Mark Mosier, Interim Law Enforcement Training Academy Director, represented BRTC’s Gunsmithing Program and Law Enforcement Training Academy at SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. SHOT show is the nation’s largest professional shooting and hunting event.

Baine and Coe met with firearm industry partners to examine the Gunsmithing Program’s current curriculum to determine if any changes need to occur to better prepare students for employment in the industry. They also had the opportunity to trade ideas and discuss successes and challenges with other colleges from different states that offer gunsmithing. Baine reported, “Since BRTC is the only college in the state of Arkansas to offer an approved Gunsmithing Program, it was great to continue the strategic conversation with similar gunsmithing programs from Colorado and Oklahoma colleges.”

Mosier was able to examine a plethora of tactical and law enforcement equipment being showcased and was able to attend several professional meetings to stay abreast of the new types of law enforcement resources that can be implemented into training new and veteran law enforcement officers.

Baine, Coe, and Mosier were invited to the Arkansas Reception, hosted by Arkansas Inc. and attended by Governor Hutchinson.  At the reception, the three BRTC representatives met with current manufactures from Arkansas and were introduced to national and international manufacturers considering coming to Arkansas. They shared updates on the quality training offered at BRTC and listened as the manufacturers described their workforce needs.

Baine stated that he is thankful that BRTC had the opportunity to attend SHOT Show and is grateful to the Governor for inviting the college to the Arkansas Reception. He states, “BRTC is fortunate to have the support and insight of the firearms industry partners, which are primarily located in the state of Arkansas.” He added, “I hope the discussions we had at the show will lead to BRTC developing solutions to meet the needs of Arkansas industries.”

For more information about BRTC’s Gunsmithing Program, visit https://blackrivertech.org/academics/technical-programs/gunsmithing.