Perry Police bringing back female only firearms classes

PERRY, Ga. — The first round of firearms safety classes offered by the local police department this year had a great amount of interest from Houston County women, so they’re bringing it back, giving the community another chance to learn personal safety in an interactive and safe environment.

The next round of courses will take place Aug. 10 and Aug. 12. The first class takes place at the Public Safety Building and will be a classroom environment teaching laws surrounding the use of handguns. Then, on Saturday, the class moves to the shooting range, where those attending will learn the basics of safe firearm operation, such as loading, unloading, firing and marksmanship.

Registration will open on July 20; registration ends on Aug. 7 and slots are limited. April’s class filled up opening day and the police department is confident the August class will see the same response.

As to why they’re bringing classes back, Police Chief Alan Everidge explained they connect the community to the police department and gives them another avenue to ensure public safety.

“We think education is the key to crime prevention, but we also think education is key to safety as a whole. Bringing these classes back in there gives people a safe environment to learn how to use firearms, understand the legalities of using a firearm,” Everidge said.

The classes are tailor-made to women, giving females an open space to inquire fearlessly about firearm safety.

“In the past, there’s always been a concern about, sometimes, ladies attending class with a group of men, where they feel like they’re scared to ask a question; they’re intimidated. So, we offer this class to ladies alone, as a sole group, to try to take away that stress,” Everidge said.

Everidge added the last set of classes helped women make lasting friendships.

“Those who attended were very upbeat about it. In fact, I think some of those ladies are still getting together to participate in learning how to become more efficient with their firearm skills. So they made some amazing friendships and bonds within that class,” Everidge said. “And that’s another plus: people, other people in the community. You never know who you’re going to meet.”

Participants must be over 21 years of age, pass a background check, complete a liability and registration form, and bring their own handgun, ammunition, safety glasses, and ear protection. On range day, attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and must wear closed-toed shoes.

All firearms are subject to safety inspection before the course and will be prohibited in the classroom; they must stay secured in personal vehicles until further instruction.

For more information, contact the police department at (478) 988-2800. To join the class, visit the city of Perry’s website: perryrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program and scroll down to “Women’s Firearm Safety,” download the application and submit in person at the police department building, located at 1207 Washington Street.

HHJ News