Napoleon City Council updates shooting range safety and operations for police use

The Napoleon City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, focused on the safety and operational status of the local shooting range, following a significant incident two years prior. Council members discussed the range's compliance with safety guidelines and the measures taken to enhance its security.

City officials confirmed that the shooting range is not required to adhere to the Department of Energy's guidelines, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. This allows municipalities like Napoleon to establish their own shooting ranges. Following an incident in April 2023, where bullets accidentally struck a nearby structure, the city took immediate action by closing the range. Over the past year, city staff, including the police department, worked on redesigning the range to improve safety.

The range has since been rotated 90 degrees, now directing shots southward, which aligns with its original design from decades ago. This new orientation features a 20-foot high berm and over 1,200 feet of wooded area behind it, providing additional safety measures. Currently, the range is exclusively used by the Napoleon Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff's deputies.

Concerns were raised during the meeting about public safety, particularly regarding the proximity of the range to residential areas. One resident expressed anxiety about the potential for stray bullets, emphasizing the need for ongoing communication about safety improvements. City officials acknowledged these concerns and assured residents that their feedback would be taken into account as they continue to evaluate the range's operations.

The discussion highlighted the city's commitment to ensuring public safety while maintaining the functionality of the shooting range for law enforcement training. Further evaluations and community feedback will guide future decisions regarding the range's use and safety protocols.