By Bonita Wilborn
Jackson County Firearms Instructors Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen, Lieutenant Jimmy Wilkerson, Lieutenant Paul Smith, along with Assistant District Attorney Brent Benson hold Women’s Basic Firearms Safety courses periodically throughout the year. This course is extremely informative in teaching women the basic skills needed for gun safety and self-defense.
The fifth annual Women’s Firearms Class dates are scheduled as follows:
• Saturday, May 18
• Saturday, June 8
• Saturday, July 13
• Saturday, August 10
• September date pending
The class is free, and anyone wishing to participate can pick up an application at the front desk of the sheriff’s office.
The class includes meeting at the Jackson County Courthouse at 8:00 am on the day of the class and cover such items as safety issues, mental preparedness, firearm basics, as well as the legal laws of carrying a weapon. After lunch, the class will move to the firing range. Bring your own weapon and at least one box of ammunition and wear comfortable clothes and NO open toe shoes.
Dear Participant,
First of all, let me thank you for your decision to participate in this course. I think that you will find that this course will be not only informative but will provide you with basic skills which will make you a better shooter. As the Sheriff of Jackson County, I am proud to be able to sponsor this “Women’s Basic Handgun Course.” As an advocate of the 2nd Amendment, I believe it is every citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. I also believe it is the responsibility of all armed citizens to learn basic firearms safety and to seek training in the proper use of firearms as well as to be familiar with laws that affect the person choosing to carry a firearm for self-defense. I believe you will find that your participation in this course will satisfy these responsibilities, as you will be instructed on several topics including; Basic Firearms Safety, Firearms Nomenclature, Basic Marksmanship, and Legal Issues. You will also conduct “Dry Fire” and “Live Fire” drills which will be held at our Firearms and K-9 Training Range. The firearms staff for the JCSO are excellent instructors who have been trained by some of the top firearm instructor programs in the country, including the FBI, DEA, and NRA.
Additionally, legal issues will be discussed by a member of the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. I think you will find that these instructors’ varying expertise in this field will be an asset to this training. If I can assist you in the future, please contact me or any member of my firearms staff.
Sheriff Chuck Phillips
If you are interested in attending one of these courses, please email your info to [email protected].
