Newton County residents have two options in May to learn about gun safety, one with Covington Police and the other with the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

The police are partnering with the Covington Rotary Club to sponsor a day-long class at the FFA Camp on May 14. There is a $100 fee for the class and participants must be at least 21. The instructors are Georgia POST certified firearm instructors, trained specifically in the operation and safety of Glock pistols.

Personal (unloaded) weapons can be brought to be safety inspected and evaluated. Personal weapons may be used in the class as long as the gun is a 9mm. Some pistols will be provided for use by those in the class. Participants will learn about topics including non-deadly force options, laws concerning personal safety, fundamentals of shooting, gun safety, carry laws, Georgia gun laws and home storage and safety.

The class starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by a live fire range after lunch (which is provided). The class ends at 4 p.m. The deadline for enrollment is May 6, and those interested in attending should contact Bob Stafford at (770) 841-3320 or at bobstaff@gmail.com or Sgt. Arvo Bowen at (770) 500-8266 or arvo.bowen@covingtonpolice.com for registration and information.

The Newton County Sheriff's Office will stage its safety course from 8 a.m. to noon on May 14 and May 21. at the Newton County Law Enforcement Training Center. Participants must attend both classes to receive a certificate of completion.

The Sheriff's Office course will also teach participants about laws regarding deadly force and firearm safety - both at the range and away from it - prior to giving them the chance to fire weapons at the county range.

Participants must be at least 21, consent to and pass a criminal background check and produce a valid Georgia' driver's license. They also must furnish their own firearm and ammunition. Firearms must be in good, serviceable condition and a caliber of less than .380 will not be allow at the weapons range.

Applications can be obtained from the sheriff's office and those accepted will be notified by email. Registration must be received by May 6.

For more information, contact Range Master Deputy Wayne Scott at (678) 625-1542 or Agency Training Coordination Lt. Paul Gunter at (678) 625-1444.