Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College Police and Public Safety Department will host its annual Civilian Firearms Class on Saturday, November 15, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus.
The free training is open to individuals 18 years and older and is designed to enhance participants’ confidence in firearm handling while teaching essential self-defense techniques and situational awareness.
New for 2025, the course will include a House of Worship Security Block. This segment is tailored for faith-based security teams and will cover planning, preparedness, and response strategies to help ensure the safety of congregations.
“At Gadsden State, we are dedicated to empowering our communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Chief Jay Freeman, head of the Gadsden State Police Department. “Our Civilian Firearms Class provides citizens the opportunity to learn firearm safety, understand legal responsibilities, and gain practical skills—especially as we approach the busy holiday season.”
Freeman added, “This class isn’t just about firearms. It’s about equipping individuals and families with the confidence, knowledge, and awareness to protect themselves. We encourage families to attend together and grow stronger through this training.”
The course schedule is divided into two parts:
-
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Classroom instruction at the Beck Conference Center (203 College Drive).
-
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Live range training.
Certified firearms instructors from multiple law enforcement agencies will lead both the classroom and live range sessions, with support from departments across the region.
Course topics will include:
-
Basics of pistol shooting
-
Firearm types and functions
-
Firearm safety
-
Situational awareness and avoiding danger
-
Legal responsibilities of gun ownership
Participants are required to bring:
-
A functioning handgun
-
Proper holster
-
Eye protection
-
Ear protection
-
50 rounds of ammunition
Class space is limited. To register or learn more, contact Emily Feemster at efeemster@gadsdenstate.edu or 256-549-8611, or Chief Jay Freeman at jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu or 256-549-8672.
The Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department continues to emphasize community preparedness through training, outreach, and safety initiatives, with a mission of strengthening security for both the college and the surrounding communities.
For more information, visit GadsdenState.edu/Safety.
