The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office and Conyers Police Department are partnering to provide firearms safety courses for residents starting in April.
According to a released statement, the course is to meet the growing demand of residents and show support of the Second Amendment.
Rockdale County residents can apply to participate in the first course that will be held on Saturday, April 13. The class will be limited to the first 20 qualified applicants that apply on a first come first serve basis, and those that do not make it into this class will be placed on a waiting list for other upcoming classes. The one-day course will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.
Course topics will include basic firearms safety, current gun laws, and basic nomenclature of the revolver and semi-automatic handguns. At the end of the classroom portion of the course, participants will get the chance to use their firearm at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office firing range under the supervision of certified firearms instructors from both the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and the Conyers Police Department.
“With the recent gun control discussions and the local increase in firearm permits being issued, I am pleased that we are able to offer this course for the residents of Rockdale County,” said Sheriff Eric Levett. “This course will help participants better understand current gun laws and learn ways to be more responsible with guns.”
“This cooperative effort between the two departments comes at an opportune time,” said Chief Gene Wilson. “With gun purchases and interest in gun ownership on the rise, this kind of course is needed to educate citizens on gun safety and responsibility.”
Requirements for the course are as follows: must be a resident of Rockdale County; must be at least 21 years of age; must not have been convicted of a felony; must bring a legal, modern handgun no smaller than a .380 caliber that will pass instructor inspection for safety and reliability; must bring your own ammunition; and must adhere to all rules of the RCSO firing range, which will be taught during the classroom portion of the course.
Those interested in taking the course can pick up an application in person at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office from the Warrants and Civil Division or request an emailed copy. To request an application, contact Wanda Wypasek at 770-278-8058 or wanda.wypasek@rockdalecounty.org.
Applications include basic participant information, course requirements and a background check. Completed applications must be turned in at the RCSO to the Warrants and Civil Division, along with a copy of your driver’s license. The Citizen’s Firearms Safety Courses are free of charge.The deadline to turn in an application is April 3.
