Archived Story

Register now for firearm awareness and safety class

Published 12:25pm Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department is now accepting registration for their annual firearms safety and awareness class.

“We’ve taught this class consistently through the years,” said Sheriff Jimmy Abbett. “It’s been very well received, and we’ve had numerous students go through this training.”

Abbett said sheriff’s department continues to hold the class in order to educate the community on how to use firearms safely.

“I think it’s very important if a person is going to have a firearm that they know the safety features of the gun and the laws pertaining to use of the gun. So many people buy guns and never shoot them,” Abbett said. “This course will give people the opportunity to load, shoot and clean weapon. This course will teach basic things as far as owning a handgun.”

The firearm safety and awareness course will be taught in two installments on Thursday, March 28 and Saturday, March 30. The March 28 class will meet at the Narcotics Task Force office from 6-8 p.m. and will focus on laws and safety of firearms. The March 30 class will meet at 9 a.m. at the Alexander City Firing Range and will give participants a practical application of firearms and safety, Abbett said.

“We encourage participants to bring their weapon of choice to the range so they can become familiar with that weapon,” Abbett said. “If participants don’t have a weapon, we’ll have weapons available for them to use.”

Abbett said he encourages people who are gun owners or interested in purchasing a gun to enroll in the course.

“If people own or are going to purchase a gun, we want them to know the safety features of it and how they can maintain it and use it,” Abbett said. “We want people to be knowledgeable about the safety features and how the gun actually functions.”

The cost for the course is $25 and includes both sessions, training materials and ammunition. Attendees must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid pistol permit.

Abbett said seating is limited so pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register for the course, contact the Tallapoosa Sheriff’s Department at 256-825-4264.

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