The Newton County Sheriff's Office is inviting interested parties to register for a free Citizen's Firearms Safety Course.

The seven-hour course will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Newton County Law Enforcement Training Center. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the class.

The course will consist of information on laws governing the use of deadly force; firearms safety at and away from the range; and basic nomenclature of the revolver and semi-automatic pistols. Additionally, the participants will have an opportunity to fire their weapons at the NCSO Weapons Range.

Participants must be at least 21 years old, consent to and pass a criminal background check and produce a valid Georgia driver's license.

Participants must furnish their own firearm and ammunition, which must be in good serviceable condition. A caliber less than a 9mm will not be allowed at the weapons range.

Applications can be obtained from the Newton County Law Enforcement Center and those accepted will be notified by email. Registrations must be received no later than Monday, Aug.13.

For more information, contact Agency Training Coordinator Lt. Paul Gunter at (678) 625-1444.