Richard Fairburn

Law Enforcement Firearms

Dick Fairburn has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience in both Illinois and Wyoming, working patrol, investigations and administrative assignments. Dick also served as the section chief of a major academy's Firearms Training Unit and critical incident training program. He has a B.S. in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and was the Valedictorian of his recruit class at the Illinois State Police Academy. He has published more than 300 feature articles and two books: "Police Rifles" and "Building a Better Gunfighter." Dick is currently serving as the public safety director in a Central Illinois community, overseeing the police and fire departments, as well as the 911 center.

Full list of Richard Fairburn results

Officer safety issues we must address today
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Current threats dictate evolving response strategies
Finally, a modern duty pistol for small cops
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The Glock Model 48 slimline 9mm is a state-of-the-art fighting pistol with a small grip frame any cop can master
4 changes every LE agency should make ahead of police reform
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If we can quickly make some meaningful changes on our own, that may empower our supporters to reestablish logic
The legend of the blue handcuffs: A lesson for trainers
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You may train hundreds or thousands of officers in your career – strive to leave each student with some gem that will make you a positive example
Doing more with less: A COVID-19 checklist for police administrators
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From understanding your PPE needs to handling an increased call volume with a reduced workforce, make sure you put these considerations on your to-do list
6 steps to making your home your castle
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Securing your home to keep your family safe requires mostly time, clear thinking and practice, not a large expenditure of funds
The greatest loss: Police suicides
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Good police officers are experts at hiding their emotions, so only a partner or very close co-worker may see the warning signs
Trickle-down leadership: When officers become the boss
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When a police agency fails to protect its community, the failure can almost always be traced to the head of that agency
How to prepare for patrol rifle malfunctions
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A good M4 carbine, fed good ammunition from good magazines, is a highly reliable machine – but any machine can fail
What you should carry in a GO bag
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While I still feel being a little over-gunned is better, my personal active shooter response “kit” has shrunk dramatically
How cops can avoid an “unprovoked attack” ambush
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An ambush of any kind is the most dangerous threat you will ever face on the street – even the strongest and most alert officers are at risk
Field testing the Etymotic GSP-15 electronic earplugs
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They function like electronic ear muffs, but are very small and comfortable to wear
Aging eyes and modern optics: Can technology make cops young again?
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If your fellow old-fart friends suggest you need a red dot sight on your pistol, you may want to listen
School shooting response: 5 action items for every police leader
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The failure in top leadership associated with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting was seen at all levels
How police can prevent the next Parkland
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Nearly every school attack has been preceded by many warning signs
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