McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

Breaking News

Homepage

January 15, 2013

Free gun class for teachers offered

By Jeanne LeFlore Staff Writer

McALESTER — Teachers in Pittsburg County can learn to use a firearm for free in February.

A veterans group plans to offer a free firearm safety class for teachers and staff of Pittsburg County schools, according to Alton Smith of the Disabled American Veterans in Krebs.

The class is offered by the DAV and will be taught by Smith  at 8 a.m. on Feb. 16, at the DAV office,125 S. Main St. in Krebs.

Smith said he’s a certified police firearms instructor and he usually charges $60 for the class, but for the school employees there will not be a charge.

“We just want to help educate the school’s staff and help them get certified, if they are interested,” Smith said.

Smith said firearms and 50 rounds of ammunition will be supplied but attendees can bring their own .22 to .45 caliber firearms if they wish.

“They need wear a baseball cap and bring their own ear protection and eye protection,” he said.

Oklahoma state law does not allow for teachers to carry weapons in the class room however in Oklahoma state Rep. Mark McCullough (R-Sapula) said he plans to introduce legislation to change that.

“We cannot continue to be shackled by politically correct, reflexive, anti-gun sentiment in the face of the obvious — our schools are soft targets,” McCullough told the Tulsa World.

“It is incredibly irresponsible to leave our schools undefended,” McCullough said.

Meanwhile Rep. Brian Renegar (D-Blanco) said he disagrees with proposed legislation.

“We would be better served providing security guards at the schools,” Renegar said.

“The teachers need to be in the classrooms while the security guards could be canvassing the school.”

Meanwhile, Smith said Pittsburg County school educators and other school employees who would like information about the class can call him at 918-421-0922.

Contact Jeanne LeFlore at jleflore@mcalesternews.com.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
Local Sports
Police/Courts
Features
5 19 Mil ANN Walterses.jpg

Emma and Leon Walters

State news
The Buzz
The Buzz
Poll

Do you think under aged teens should be able to purchase post-sex contraception over the counter?

Yes
No
     View Results
NDN Video
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out
Featured Ads
AP Video
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.