St. Joseph NewsPress
FAIRFAX, Mo. — There’s been a lot of talk about guns in the news lately. But the fact is, they’re part of the culture and if you’re going to use one, you should know the rules.
Those were some of the thoughts voiced Saturday at a handgun safety training workshop, held at the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department. More than 75 people attended the event, which featured informational classes and a live firing session.
“I’m taking the course to get my concealed license,” said Justin Guthrie, 25, of Maryville, Mo. “My family has always had guns and has always hunted.”
Added another participant, Emily Schmeltz, of Kansas City: “I came to learn about safety. I didn’t come here to get a conceal and carry.
“I personally don’t own a gun. But I think it’s important, unless you’re a crazy person, to know how to handle a gun.”
The event was presented by the Sharper CCW Team, with Shawn Harper as lead instructor. He’s a Missouri corrections officer in St. Joseph who has been teaching gun safety for 30 years. He’s also an executive board member of the Missouri Correctional Officers Association, which is involved in handgun safety training.
“We have 10 instructors today, including three women,” he said. “More than half of the participants today are women. We were happy to see that.”
Saturday’s sessions dealt with concealed/carry permit requirements, safe handling of a handgun, gun safety rules and gun safety in the home.
“My husband has handguns and I wanted to learn how to be safe around them and fire them myself,” said a participant, Melissa Thompson.
“The skill is a challenge. I’ll probably go to the firing range more often with my husband, now that I know what it’s all about.”
The cost to Saturday’s participants was $75, which included guns and ammunition. Mr. Harper said the training sessions are held periodically, with the next one set March 23 at Camp Geiger.
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