When opting to start with a bang, make it a big one, and then go for two just or good measure. At least that was the Smith & Wesson approach.
The Maryville arms manufacturer officially cut the ribbon on its new training area Friday evening during a star-studded event on the new Smith & Wesson Academy grounds located behind the main headquarters. The itinerary gave guests and dignitaries the option to come early in the afternoon to see Maryville SWAT in action on the academy’s facilities but many VIPs missed that explosive start and the opportunity to use the ranges under the supervision of the academy staff.
The Maryville Police Department opened the ribbon-cutting using one of the ranges to let its armored vehicle cut loose. A few minutes later the team demonstrated an explosive door breach — a kaboom that sent at least one go-pro camera flying into the sky and out into the grounds — on the second level of the shoothouse before clearing the mockup rooms inside. The demonstration was filmed from safe areas and broadcast back to the main stage for attendees to view…