By: Rachel George, Papillion Times
88 Tactical, an Omaha-based training organization focused on readying the public and professionals for crisis, will soon open a Range and Readiness Center in Papillion.
The business, started by a Bennington police officer, offers more than 100 classes and training to military, police and civilians.
The new 27,000-square-foot center is designed as a hub for anyone to train or just hang out.
The center features three training classrooms, 20 indoor shooting lanes, a 70-foot indoor/outdoor rappelling tower, a gunsmith, pro shop and more.
“It’s very unique,” said Kimmylea Konsel, business development/event coordinator. “There’s so much to do in the building. It’s a very unique concept.”
Konsel said many people assume it’s just a gun range, but it’s much more.
Aside from renting guns or bringing their own, members can take classes focused on shooting, as well as a variety of other things, including self-defense, responding to an active shooter situation and hand-to-hand combat.
Children’s classes are also offered on topics like anti-bullying and anti-abduction.
“We’ve got something for pretty much the whole family — men, women and children,” Konsel said. “We don’t want civilians to not have the knowledge to protect themselves.”
The Range and Readiness Center also features an “intel desk” for those who have questions on what classes they should take.
“A lot of people don’t know where to start if they’ve never done this before,” Konsel said. “People can just come in and ask questions, call our office or go online as well. We’re very customer service-oriented so we definitely want to make it so that people feel comfortable.”
A grand opening event will be held July 7 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Range and Readiness Center, located at 15350 Shephard St.
The free event is open to the public and will feature tours and course demonstrations, face painting and other children’s activities, a raffle with proceeds benefiting the Green Beret Foundation, special offers, lunch for purchase at the building’s Ammo Box Cafe, and complimentary snacks and a cash bar in the evening.
Discounts on memberships and classes will also be available at the event.
