Get Armed with Gun Safety Knowledge

The Chester County District Attorney and Chester County Sheriff want to arm people who own guns with safety knowledge this week.

The departments are joining forces for a special class offered on Wednesday night in West Chester.

The two offices issued the following joint message:

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan and Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh announced that they are jointly sponsoring a basic firearm safety course. The course will take place from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at the Chester County Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, Room 171, West Chester, PA 19380.

In the course, certified firearms instructors and prosecutors will teach the basic knowledge, skills, and conduct necessary for the safe and proper use of firearms for sport and self-defense. In short, the instructors will cover how to shoot a gun and when to shoot a gun. The course will stress fundamental techniques and current Pennsylvania law.

District Attorney Hogan stated, “Sheriff Welsh and I are proud to sponsor this firearm safety course. In Chester County, we understand that the right to bear arms includes the obligation to be a responsible gun owner. Our instructors will cover the nuts-and-bolts of properly using and securing firearms.”

Sheriff Welsh stated, “I am pleased that District Attorney Hogan and I are working together to provide this important education and share this valuable information with our citizens. Training like this can save lives.”

To register, people should contact Deputy Sheriff Noah Hughes at nhughes@chesco.org or DA Chief of Staff Charles Gaza at cgaza@chesco.org. Space is limited so please apply early. Note that personal firearms are not permitted in the Government Services Center. The instructors will provide all necessary equipment for the course.