The Calhoun Police Department and Chief Garry Moss will be presenting a public service course of training on firearms familiarization and safety at the police department’s C.I.D. building training room, located at 1949 US Highway 41 South.

The class is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, and is for first timers only.

“A lot of the people have these firearms they have purchased but have never used it,” Calhoun City Lt. Detective Tony Pyle said. “We give them class room instructions and hands on training, which allows people to become familiar and feel more safe and comfortable with their weapons.”

These courses are in high demand according to Lt. Pyle and the Calhoun Police Department tries to offer the courses as much as possible.

“We try to do more than just one a year, since there is such a demand,” Lt. Pyle said. “We average two to three courses a year.”

The course of instruction will include handgun familiarization and safety. It is designed for those who are not familiar with the operation of personal handguns. The course consists of approximately one and a half to two hours of classroom instruction, and two hours of range activity or live fire.

You must successfully complete this year’s classroom instruction prior to going to the range for the live fire exercise.

Attendees are required to provide a safe, functioning handgun, magazines (if needed) and fifty rounds of ammunition. The Police Department will provide hearing and eye protection.

Class will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. The live-fire portion of the course will be conducted at the Calhoun Police Department’s outdoor range and will not be conducted in inclement weather.

You must be 18 years old or older to take the course. You must also sign a liability waiver prior to taking the course. There is no charge for this class. Class size is limited to 20 participants, so register as soon as possible.

Anyone interested in taking the course must register by contacting the Calhoun Police Department at 706-629-1234. Cutoff for the registration is October 25.

“Every class we have given everyone has told us they feel more comfortable with their weapons, and they feel safer having it around in their homes,” Lt. Pyle said.