Suffolk firearms range to be name for late officer

The Suffolk County Police Department is naming its firearms range for a former officer and firearms instructor, the agency said Monday.

The Stephen J. Clark Memorial Range will be named formally in a dedication ceremony Tuesday, police said.

Clark, a department firearms instructor for 15 years and a Suffolk officer for 23, died of cancer about two years ago. He was 54.

The range at 110 Old County Rd. in Westhampton is used by police and outside law-enforcement agencies for firearms training.

Clark also served in the U.S. Navy for 33 years, attaining the highest enlisted rank of Command Master Chief.

Suffolk police said in a Monday news release that Clark's "professionalism made him a well-respected member of the department." The release also said he was dedicated to an organization he created, 9-1-1 Veterans, which helps veterans financially and spiritually.

Clark's wife and two children will attend the dedication, which starts at 10 a.m. at the firearms range.