LEESVILLE, La.--In its regular council meeting Monday, Sept. 22, the Leesville City Council entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Vernon Parish Police Jury and the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office for joint use of the City's shooting range.

While the City owns the land that the range is located on, the Sheriff's office will contribute funds and prison labor to maintain the site and make improvements, while the Vernon Parish Police Jury Public Works Department will make drainage and road improvements.

"We're grateful for the opportunity to work with both the jury and the sheriff's office in pooling our resources to save money for all of us," said City of Leesville Mayor Rick Allen.

"It's just a good partnership," said Leesville Police Chief Greg Hill. "Vernon, New Llano, Fort Polk, and Louisiana Probation and Parole are now using the range, and all parties are helping to improve it." The range also provides space for concealed weapons classes and the 4-H shooting team.

"The Vernon Parish Police Jury is happy to offer its assistance in improving the shooting range," said Jury President Jim Tuck. "The City's willingness to share this resource is very much appreciated.  

Cooperative agreements like these save on expenses for everyone and help us to stretch our taxpayers' dollars as far as possible."

The Sheriff's office had considered building its own range, said Chief Deputy Calvin Turner, but this agreement will provide both entities an opportunity to create a long-term plan that will benefit both police forces.  

A committee, formed of employees of both law enforcement agencies, has been charged with the task of making suggestions to Hill and Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft concerning improvements for the shooting range.

The City has already made considerable improvements to the range recently, with the addition of water, sewer, a classroom and a canopy.