Over the past few months, thousands of new people started applying for conceal carry licenses in Lancaster. And Lancaster County's Sheriff is starting something new, gun safety classes.
Since December, an average of 2000 people a month have been applying for conceal carry licenses in Lancaster. That's about four times the average amount. And the sheriff wants to make sure those people are safe.
Charles LeFever is applying for a concealed carry license for the first time. He says he's getting one for safety purposes. "For my own safety and the safety of my family."
If approved, LeFever will be one of more than 31,000 residents in Lancaster County to have one and that number is rising fast.
Sheriff Mark Reese is concerned about their safety. So starting next month, the Sheriff's Office will begin offering gun safety classes. "There are way too many accidental discharges in the home. Too many people are getting injured and killed accidentally. So we want to make sure that the community is very familiar with what they have in their hands."
The one-time class will start at 5:30 and go until 9:30 starting April 30, with another on June 17. It will cost $40 and be held at the Lancaster County Public Training Center in Manheim. Residents are encouraged to bring their own unloaded handgun. Classes will include hands-on tests and short written exam. No live rounds will be used.
Reese says he would eventually like to have more classes. "We would like to actually extend this out to have one class per month."
"Would you consider taking this class? Definitely. I would consider. Cause I need to learn how to handle a gun safely." Said LeFever.
If you are interested in the class you can only register at the Sheriff's Office. They are working on a way to register online. But it's not ready, yet.
Since December, an average of 2000 people a month have been applying for conceal carry licenses in Lancaster. That's about four times the average amount. And the sheriff wants to make sure those people are safe.
Charles LeFever is applying for a concealed carry license for the first time. He says he's getting one for safety purposes. "For my own safety and the safety of my family."
If approved, LeFever will be one of more than 31,000 residents in Lancaster County to have one and that number is rising fast.
Sheriff Mark Reese is concerned about their safety. So starting next month, the Sheriff's Office will begin offering gun safety classes. "There are way too many accidental discharges in the home. Too many people are getting injured and killed accidentally. So we want to make sure that the community is very familiar with what they have in their hands."
The one-time class will start at 5:30 and go until 9:30 starting April 30, with another on June 17. It will cost $40 and be held at the Lancaster County Public Training Center in Manheim. Residents are encouraged to bring their own unloaded handgun. Classes will include hands-on tests and short written exam. No live rounds will be used.
Reese says he would eventually like to have more classes. "We would like to actually extend this out to have one class per month."
"Would you consider taking this class? Definitely. I would consider. Cause I need to learn how to handle a gun safely." Said LeFever.
If you are interested in the class you can only register at the Sheriff's Office. They are working on a way to register online. But it's not ready, yet.