MINERSVILLE - Borough police are holding a handgun safety course at 9 a.m. July 19 at Goodwill Fire Company.
"We'll teach people how to safely use their weapon and store their weapon," police Chief Michael Combs said.
The first official Minersville police handgun safety course will be taught by Combs and Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers. Bowers is state certified in handgun safety and teaches weapon training to officers.
There will be a classroom course that covers information such as dissembling guns for cleaning and then reassembling them. The course should take about three hours to complete. Participants receive certificate upon completion.
Participants will then be taken to the firing range to learn how to properly use a handgun.
Combs said previously there were not any gun safety courses in Schuylkill County and decided to organize one.
Those who wish to participate should call the Minersville police to reserve a slot at 570-544-2333. There will be 20 spots open at a "first come, first serve" basis, according to Combs. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.
There is a $25 fee to participate in the class. Participants should bring their own handgun, eye and ear protection and 50 rounds of ammunition for the handgun.
"A lot of people want a handgun in their home but aren't sure how to go about it," Combs said. "If this class is successful and there is a waiting list, we may do another class."
Schuylkill County individuals 21 years of age and older can submit an application for a license to carry firearms in Pennsylvania through the Schuylkill County sheriff's office. The cost of obtaining a new permit without having one prior is $20.