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RESOLUTION NO. R-1314-88: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, RENAMING THE NORMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT FIREARMS RANGE AS THE LT. ROYCE O. WEDDLE NORMAN POLICE FIRING RANGE.
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BACKGROUND: The Norman Police Department Firearms Ranges at 3942 Jenkins Avenue were constructed in the 1960’s to allow for a firearms range for police officers to qualify and enhance their firearm skills. At the December 16, 2013, Council Community Planning and Transportation Committee (CPTC) meeting, the Committee recommended to approve a request to rename the firearms range in honor of Lt. Royce O. Weddle and forward the recommendation to the City Council for final approval.
In October 2008, the City Council adopted a citizen’s recognition policy outlining a procedure to name or rename city facilities. The procedure outlines that in this case, the request be forwarded to the CPTC for review and recommendation, and then sent to the City Council for consideration by Resolution.
DISCUSSION: Lt. Royce O. Weddle served the citizens of Norman for over 20 years as a member of the Norman Police Department (NPD). He was instrumental in both the design and construction of the Norman Police Department Firearms Ranges, and served as the department’s first range master. In addition to his role as the range master, Weddle also was the NPD’s gunsmith from 1973-1983 and built and maintained firearms for the Norman Police Department SWAT Team and Pistol Team. Weddle also won numerous awards for his proficiency with a firearm, including:
The annual Oklahoma National Rifle Association Police Revolver Championship 14 out of the 20 years he participated
Five (5) National Rifle Association Regional Police Combat Revolver Championships
The U.S. National Rifle Association National Police Department Revolver Championship (1975)
The National Shooters League National Championship (1977)
Was the captain of the winning 4-man team in the municipal category of the National Rifle Association National Pistol Championship (1979)
On December 16, 2013, the CPTC recommended unanimously that Staff bring forward a resolution to Council to name the Norman police firing ranges at 3942 Jenkins Ave. the “Lt. Royce O. Weddle Norman Police Firing Range” in honor of Lt. Weddle.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that City Council, by Resolution No. R-1314-88, name the Norman police firing ranges to the Lt. Royce O. Weddle Norman Police Firing Range.