Directory:
- Brief Timeline
- Historical Shooting Range Incidents Involving Stray Bullets
- Testimonials - Coming Soon
1. Brief Timeline:
- February 1st, 2024 - I was almost hit by a "Ricochet"
- February 3rd, I filed a police report and requested to be kept informed of resolution.
- Sometime in March - Refiled a report and questioned what is happening...
- May 30th - Hearing shooting range again prior to the Shrines 1 Year Anniversary, I made a 3rd report and demanded an immediate Ceasefire, until a proper investigation and risk assessment has taken place, and proper measure have been taken to ensure public safety.
- June 1st, version 1 of the Ceasefire petition was launched on facebook.
- June 4th, the lastest version was launched at www.WorldPeaceShrine.Love/Ceasefire
- June 7th, the message was sent to all members of the Lethbridge Police Commission, the Mayor, and all City Councillors, informing them of the CeaseFire Petition, and requesting meetings with, and formal support letters from each member, requesting they each officially express where they stand on this issue, and whether or not and why they agree that an immediate ceasefire seems like a reasonable response for ensuring public safety, ESPECIALLY now that we know ricochet's occur, and even entire bullets are being found in the urban park surrounding the shooting range.
Here is the email I wrote:
"Dear Mayor Blaine, and City Council Members of Lethbridge,
This message pertains to:
- Requesting a Meeting with the Mayor and each Councillor
- Requesting a Letter of Support from the Mayor and each Councillor
(Same for the members of the Lethbridge Police Commission)
I have just finished sending this exact message to all the members of the Lethbridge Police Commission, (with adjustment to your related, distinguishing titles/roles), and as I requested from them, I request from each of you an official response letter, so that I, and the public may know exactly where you stand on this issue.
I'm writing to you because I am dealing with a serious issue related to an escalating degree of Clear & Present Danger to Public Safety, as well as direct and ongoing public Harm.
This is especially so, in light of recent events, regarding the Shooting Range at the Riverbottom by "Botterill Park".
After having made multiple police reports regarding this issue, with no results or even signs of a less than negligible response, I have decided to involve the public, through a Public PETITION, which also acts as my public case file and testimony.
I can barely sleep with this ongoing and unresolved matter.
I humbly and urgently request immediate consideration and an official response from each of you, as I recognize that you each have perfectly matched background knowledge and experience to understand this urgent issue from all relevant angles. It's a relief to even be sending this email, knowing that each of you can clearly play pivotal roles in bringing an immediate resolution to this ongoing Public Health & Safety Emergency.
I request your feedback, and at minimum, in the context of whether or not you have or have not, will, or will not sign this petition, and Why?!
I request a meeting with each of you, so that I can directly gauge the situation, and these interactions, in person, and on a personal integrity level, as I feel that the response has been negligent up until now. I remain hopeful, especially in regards to public officials perceiving just how great of an opportunity this is, not just to resolve unnecessary risk and ongoing harm, but also to do the right thing on a long standing issue in the public eye.
Also, I would gladly meet with each of you on location.
Thank you very much for your sincere consideration, and prompt response.
It will be a great relief for me and many others aware and concerned about the situation, to feel heard from rational, professional, and caring hearts and minds!
Here is the Petition link:
Sincerely,
~ Michael Petrakis
~~~
- July 24th I attended the Police Commission City Hall Public Meeting, and presented my case in its in entirety to the entire Police Commission. To paraphrase the decision that was made. "Ceasing shooting operations at the shooting range in Botteril Park simply isn't feasible at this time, but it will be considered in the "Master Plan" that we are working on.
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2. Historical Shooting Range Incidents Involving Stray Bullets
a) Lethbridge firing range under investigation - CBC - 4/20/2010
b) No charges after stray bullet from fish & game range hits Lethbridge house - Global News - 3/12/2013
c) Lethbridge police officer in hospital after injury during training at a firing range - CBC - Sep 23, 2020
d)
Thoughts:
Doesn't the public have a legal right to be informed of all the risk of being hit by a ricochet, while we are going for walks in our urban parks?!
3. Testimonials - Coming Soon
Your voice, concerns, perspectives, and experiences matter!
If you have absolutely any experiences related to the Shooting Ranges, please feel free to share them in the comments below, or via email: [email protected]. (Your requested anonymity will always be honored).
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