Bridal Sportsman tells Northampton council it has strengthened range safety after last year’s incidents

Chris Bodner, representing Bridal Sportsman, updated the Borough of Northampton council on safety work at the shooting range, saying the club has carried out substantial physical and procedural changes since last year’s incidents. "We've moved probably approximately about 20,000–30,000 tons of dirt, gained between ... 20 and 25 feet of height on the berms," Bodner said, and added that cameras are now monitored and new gate locks were installed on March 1.

Bodner told council he has shifted incident reporting from weekly to monthly to reduce administrative burden, that the club offers range orientations for new and current members, and that about 1,400 people renewed memberships for 2025. He described short-term measures—adding rubber to target uprights to reduce ricochets—and longer-term plans including a wooden wall along the berm top and planting pine trees. "Eventually, that wooden wall will not be replaced," he said, describing a phased approach that relies largely on volunteers and support from a nearby construction company.

Council members responded with praise for the work. Mayor Tony Prestach told Bodner, "I just wanna commend you, Chris, on everything you've done to assuage the problem we had." No formal action or policy change was taken at the meeting; council members noted the report and encouraged continued communication between the club, police leadership and borough staff.