Firearms Education Class a Success, More Planned, Says Lavonia Police Chief

This past weekend’s firearm education class was a success according to Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle.

About 16 people attended the Friday night classroom session at the Lavonia Train Depot and then were on hand Saturday morning at the police department’s firing range for target practice and further instruction.

The class was part of Carlisle’s community outreach program and he said Monday he was pleased with the turnout.

“We went over applicable to handguns, the laws concerning deadly use of force, the new Constitutional Carry law, as well as going over firearms safety in general and the rules that apply to the range,” he said. “Then on Saturday morning, we met at the Lavonia Police Department firing range where they all were able actively to be involved in active shooting on the range. Everybody seemed to really enjoy the class. We had great participation.”

With the passing of Georgia’s Constitutional Carry law, and recent events in our nation, more people are purchasing handguns.

Chief Carlisle said it’s important for everyone who owns a handgun, especially for those who have never owned one before, to know the law regarding carrying a gun and how to use it responsibly.

“If you’re going to carry a firearm, you need to know how to handle it. You need to know what the laws are that apply to it and you need to know if you a firearm not in a legal manner,” Carlisle explained. “So, those are some of the things we go over. We don’t want anyone out there walking around with a handgun who’s not fully confident in handling it and their use of it because it can cause you more harm than it can good. That’s why we put these classes on. There’s no requirement for it in the State of Georgia but it’s just a really good idea to give you some basic understanding. You certainly are not going to know everything when you finish the class but it’s a great start and it maybe will get you in the habit of going to the firing range and practicing more and becoming familiar with it.”

Chief Carlisle said he hopes to offer another handgun education class in October and possibly a class just for those who are mobility impaired.

This class had a maximum of 25 people allowed but the fall class he said will likely allow more and have two sessions at the firing range because interest in the class is so high.