RPSO to Host Christmas Firearms Familiarization Sat, Dec. 28th

Christmas time brings many first time firearms owners, especially youngsters who may be receiving their first hunting firearm as a gift.

Sheriff William Earl Hilton announces the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office will be sponsoring a “Christmas Firearms Familiarization” on Saturday, December 28th from 9 am until 3 pm at the RPSO Training Center at 150 Sheriff’s Range Rd off of Airbase Rd.  NRA certified Range Safety Officers assigned to the Support Services Division will be on hand to teach firearm safety and to get new firearms owners familiar with their firearms they may have received for Christmas.

“Our administration is very pro gun and pro second amendment.  But with that comes responsible firearms ownership.  Safety is of the utmost importance and I am very pleased we can offer this service to our citizens” said Sheriff Hilton.

While this familiarization is geared to new firearms owners, anyone receiving a firearm for Christmas is welcome to come out and get instruction, especially youngsters.  There is no charge for this instruction and eye and ear protection will be provided by RPSO.  Persons attending must bring appropriate ammunition for their firearm.

RPSO is also the sponsor of the Youth Hunter Education Challenge which is the NRA’s “graduate studies” program in outdoor skills and safety training for young hunters.

For more information, you may call the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Training Center at 318 442 9229, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm.  Pre –registration is not required but is recommended.  When entering the training facility, please make sure ALL firearms are UNLOADED.

The Four Rules of Firearms Safety

1) Treat All guns like they are always loaded.
2) Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to DESTROY.
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target (and you have made the decision to shoot).
4) Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.