Centre Police Complete Tactical Firearms Training

Officers practiced building-clearing techniques at former City Hall facility.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Centre Police Department conducted firearms and building-clearing training on Thursday at the city's former City Hall facility. The session focused on basic handgun and rifle skills, along with tactical movement and building-clearing techniques officers may need during emergencies such as active threats or high-risk searches.

Why it matters

Ongoing training helps the Centre Police Department maintain readiness and improve communication, coordination, and decision-making during critical incidents to better protect the community.

The details

The training was led by Chief Investigator and certified firearms instructor Randy Mayorga. Using the former City Hall building allowed officers to train in a realistic environment similar to locations they may be called upon to enter while on duty. The structured training also reinforced firearm safety, use-of-force policies, situational awareness, and de-escalation practices.

  • The training session took place on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Randy Mayorga

Chief Investigator and certified firearms instructor for the Centre Police Department.

Kirk Blankenship

Chief of the Centre Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Practicing as a team inside an actual building helps improve communication, coordination and decision-making during critical incidents.”

— Kirk Blankenship, Police Chief (WEIS)

The takeaway

Ongoing, realistic training is crucial for police departments to maintain readiness and effectively respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety of both officers and the community they serve.