I am glad somebody in the Connecticut State Police finally had the courage to write an op-ed like “Griswold Gun Range perfect for trooper training,” (Aug. 26). The site certainly meets the criteria for a modern day law enforcement training facility. As a citizen and a retired Connecticut trooper I strongly support the building of a new range complex.

The issue of finding and building a new range has gone too long is nothing less than a political "boondoggle." Past administrations have kicked this can down the road for far too long, while at the same time politicizing and watering down what used to be the Department of State Police.

My employment with the Connecticut State Police was from 1970-1993 and the current state police range was flooding out way back then and probably before that; it's 70 years old! The contaminated water can have a direct effect on the health of troopers. Ask the U.S. Marines who trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from 1953-1987.

Here are some of the long-term effects suffered by them: aplastic anemia, Parkinson’s disease and cancers. These are all symptoms of toxic water. I hope the new governor has the courage to "just do it." 

James L. Miller

Salem