LOKI Weapon Systems donates TR15 rifles to CLEET

ADA — Southeastern Oklahoma based LOKI Weapon Systems, a subsidiary of THOR Global Defense Group, recently donated the first of ten custom built TR15 rifles to the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) in Ada. LOKI manufactures the TR15 rifles which are sold under the THOR brand. 

This donation of 10 rifles has a retail value over $15,000 but the real value is in the training opportunities it provides for Oklahoma’s peace officers. “The individuals who train here are the same men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day to ensure a safer society for all of us. It is truly an honor for us to provide them with the support and equipment they need,” said Larry Knesek, president & CEO of THOR Global Defense Group.

CLEET is the state agency which is responsible for training the majority of Oklahoma’s peace officers. This donation will expand CLEET’s armory, which did not include any TR15 rifles until now.

The TR15’s will allow CLEET to offer an Advanced Rifle course to Oklahoma’s peace officers. 

“By expanding the armory at CLEET to include AR-15 rifles, we will be able to provide Oklahoma’s peace officers with advanced rifle training that was previously unavailable,” said CLEET Director Dr. Larry Birney. “By expanding our training opportunities, CLEET is preparing officers for all types of situations, thus increasing the level of safety statewide.”

The TR15 rifle is used frequently in police departments, and as part of this donation, THOR has agreed to allow communities with graduates from the CLEET Advanced Rifle course to purchase this firearm at a reduced cost.

Senator Susan Paddack was one of those in attendance for the donation.

“This donation comes at a time when all state agencies are experiencing budget cuts and scaling back operations,” Paddack said. “Oklahoma is fortunate to have businesses that recognize the needs of state agencies and take steps to help them better serve our citizens.”

LOKI Weapon Systems is part of the growing firearms industry in Southeastern Oklahoma. For the past seven years, members from various organizations in Southeastern Oklahoma have made the annual trek to the SHOT Show, one of the world’s largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade shows, to attract new businesses to the area.

Southeastern Oklahoma’s hunting industry is only a small portion of what makes the area an attractive location for firearms manufacturers.

The gunsmith school at Murray State College provides quality employees for these manufacturers and CLEET’s training programs and East Central University’s Criminal Justice program provides access to key customers.

In addition to access to customers and trained employees, Southeastern Oklahoma provides unique opportunities to forge partnerships, allowing numerous businesses to thrive. 

“LOKI Weapons Systems is an excellent example of how the businesses can partner with each other and improve the economic climate of the area,” said Michael Southard, president & CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation. “A&W; Machine Shop in Coalgate supplies LOKI with parts, and Freedom Graphix in Ada customizes firearms for LOKI’s customers. This is just the tip of the iceberg of partnerships that will be formed as the firearms industry continues to grow in the area.”

In January, members from Oklahoma Southeast, a regional economic development marketing group, Ada Jobs Foundation, Murray State College, LOKI Weapon Systems, and Freedom Graphix will all travel to the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

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