Anniston, AL – The Anniston Police Department held a free citizen’s Firearm Safety Course on June 17th. This class lasted from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and was held at the FOP Range – 531 FOP Lodge Road Weaver, AL. Lunch was provided by the Anniston Police Foundation. Anniston Special Response Team (SRT) coordinated this event along with Sgt. Hamrick, Sgt. Morehead, Cpl. Sorrell, Cpl. Trammell, Cpl. Colindres, and Ofc. Spath. Everyone from the police department was there voluntarily. There were also members of the local fraternal order of police (FOP) to assist as well. Participants brought their own personal firearm and ammunition and were encouraged to provide their own own eye and ear protection. The Special Response Team also brought their tactical unit (Blackjack) so everyone could have an opportunity to take photos of it and to look around the new vehicle.
The class started with classroom teaching covering Alabama self defense laws, when you have the right to defend yourself, the benefits and drawbacks of concealed carry vs open carry, basic gun safety, and marksmanship fundamentals. The class then transitioned outside to the shooting lane. The firearms instructors (in red shirts) each took time to take 1-2 people to their individual shooting station. The instructors had the shooters fire their weapon so they could identify any weaknesses that needed to be addressed. Each shooter was taught how to properly grip their firearm, proper aiming, and foot placement. The instructors were very patient with the students and genuinely seemed to want everyone to walk away a stronger, more confident shooter. When each student had the opportunity to shoot with an instructor they broke for lunch where the instructors remained engaged with the students, joking and discussing various topics. When lunch was finished the students were able to remain on the range to continue to shoot with the instructors. Although it was recommended that everyone bring 100 rounds, if they had more and wanted to continue the instructors were happy to oblige.
The Anniston Police stated on their Facebook page that participants fought the hot blazing sun all day and did great becoming more familiar with their weapons and getting to put some rounds down range. They also issued a special thanks to members of the Weaver Fire Department and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 for helping out with today’s event.
Police Chief Nick Bowles said, “I really appreciate our officers taking their personal time to work with the public like this. It was a great day and everyone had fun. We plan on doing this again and I hope we have the same response from anyone that attends”.
