| Sheriff James Cordova demonstrates how to use a gun lock. Residents may pick up the free firearm safety devices at the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office in Price. |
The Project ChildSafe program recently distributed more than 20 million free firearm safety kits as a part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about responsible firearm ownership and storage.
Last week, J.L. “Lash” Ashmore visited the local area and met with Carbon Sheriff James Cordova. The program representative presented the county law enforcement official with 900 large bore and 200 small bore gun safety lock devices.
An expansion of Project HomeSafe, Project ChildSafe is funded by a $50 million grant from the United States Department of Justice and managed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Cordova said the safety devices are cables that lock out the mechanical part of the gun so the firearm will not operate.
More than 100 local residents have picked up free locks from the sheriff’s office. No information will be taken when people request safety kits. The grant limits three per person.
In addition to the devices, Cordova recommends storing firearms in a proper safe or cabinet. The sheriff was excited to see the locks come to Carbon County.
“It’s a good safety message. Anytime we can keep children away from guns and help them understand the dangers that can happen is a good thing,” pointed out Cordova.
Project ChildSafe is partnering with local governors, mayors and local law enforcement officers around the county to encourage secure storage of firearms in homes. The goal is to help to prevent firearm-related accidents, especially among children.
The safety kits include a cable-style gun lock and a safety brochure that discusses safe handling and proper storage procedures.
Last year, Project HomeSafe distributed 2.4 million firearm locking kits at local events presented in 43 states.