RED BAY – Being prepared is the most important step in many areas of life, but it’s especially essential when it comes to self-protection.

With reports of violence in the news every day, there is a growing trend, especially among women, to be adequately prepared in the event that they ever need to provide protection for themselves or someone else.

Members of the Red Bay Police Department are offering an opportunity for area women to be prepared in these situations by hosting their Women’s Basic Handgun Course on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Red Bay Police Department.

Red Bay Police Chief Janna Jackson said the course will be taught by Red Bay Police Lt. Scottie Belue, who is a certified FBI firearms instructor.

“We first decided to host this course because we had received several requests from women in the area who had an interest in learning handgun safety and becoming more familiar with a firearm in case they ever had to use it,” Jackson said.

“The first class we had went over very well and the ladies seemed to learn a lot and really enjoy it, so we wanted to host the class again because there were still a lot of ladies who said they wanted to be part of it.”

As a female law enforcement officer, Jackson said she recognized the need for more women to be properly trained in gun safety.

“Typically women don’t handle firearms as much as men do, so they aren’t as familiar with them,” she said.

“If you’re not familiar with something, you’re more likely to be scared of it, and that’s not a position you want to be in if you ever have to use a gun.

“I would encourage anyone to take this course because it never hurts to be prepared and know what to do in certain situations.”

The classroom portion of the course will be on Sept. 4 and participants will only need to bring their conceal carry permits to this class.

Jackson said permits can be obtained at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for anyone who doesn’t already have a permit.

For the Sept. 6 class, Jackson said participants will meet at the police department before departing for the firing range for the firearm drills portion of the course. For this class, participants will need their handgun, ear and eye protection, a ball cap, 100 rounds of ammunition (no reloads), and bottled water or Gatorade for hydration.

“Lt. Belue does an excellent job teaching this course,” Jackson said.

“For anyone who has been on the fence about learning how to use a firearm, this would be the time to learn.”

The course is being offered free of charge, and each participant will receive a group photo and an eight hours basic firearms training certificate for completion of the course.

To sign up, call the RBPD at 256-356-4455 and leave your name, phone number and the type pistol you will be using.