Pike Country Sheriff's Office holds Ladies Firearm Safety Class

The Pike County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) held a Ladies Firearm Safety Class on Saturday, Nov. 8, open to all women in an effort to promote firearm safety in the community.  

Although this is not the first event of its kind held by PCSO, it is the first in several years and the first by this group of instructors. The event was led by Russ Thomas, a lieutenant investigator with the sheriff's office, who also leads training for the Special Response Team at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office Range.  

The instructors went over the fundamentals of handling a firearm including loading, unloading, holding and shooting.  

“We talk about a safety-first mindset, how to carry our guns, how to store our guns,” Thomas said. “If you have young kids at home, curious children, safe ways to store your guns.” 

Attendees varied in experience with handling firearms. Tia Birmingham, a Troy native, shared she had not previously handled a firearm but chose to participate in the class. 

“I feel like ladies, young ladies or ladies in general, are an easy target, so it's best if we do know what to do,” Birmingham said. 

Birmingham expressed that the most important part of the class instruction was how to handle a gun and shoot it. 

Katherine Bruce, another Troy local and sister of Lieutenant Thomas, is a five-year firearm owner but still comes out to strengthen her skills and safety practices.  

“I haven't shot in probably two years,” Bruce said. “I really needed a refresher, how to load my guns, so I thought this would be a good class to sign up for.”  

Bruce said the most important things she learned during the class were how to aim and how to practice trigger safety. 

Overall, the event was a success, according to Thomas, with a great turnout.  

“Everybody showed up ready to learn,” Thomas said. “They put forth good effort.”  

Thomas went on to say the event not only empowered participants but also promoted advocacy for the 2nd Amendment from those who have owned a gun for several years to those shooting for the first time. 

PCSO hopes to hold another Ladies Firearm Safety class in the near future. Those interested in seeing announcements regarding future opportunities to learn about firearm safety can visit the PSCO Facebook page – Pike County Sheriff’s Office.