By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Police Department hosted firearm safety courses this week for local citizens.

“If they don’t know how to use it in the first place, it’s kind of useless to them,” said Lt. Scott Swanson.

The Selma Police held two courses this past week, on Thursday and Saturday.

“We are trying to make sure everybody has some kind of familiarization with a firearm. It’s not going to make them an expert or a sharpshooter, but it will give them idea of what they will need to do with it,” Swanson said.

The workshop began at 8 a.m. at the police department. There, participants were informed on gun laws as well as how to properly secure and carry firearms. After a lunch break, the group headed to Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 12 to practice shooting at the range.

Amy Sims has been shooting guns all her life but decided to take the course to become familiar with a gun she received for her birthday in September.

“I just wanted to be sure how to handle it,” Sims said.

Shelley Patterson has never operated a firearm until Saturday. She said she was given a gun for Christmas and took the class to feel safer when handling it.

“I wanted to be more secure with how that’s going to feel if ever in an emergency situation,” Patterson said.

Class participants where instructed to shoot at different distances. First at three yards from the target, gradually working up to seven yards. Swanson said most citizens who have to fire a weapon do so within seven yards.

Patterson said the class was useful and would take it again should she ever get another gun.

“They’re great teachers,” Sims said. “They were very patient with us.”

Swanson said they are hoping to continue the classes once per month as long as there is interest.

“It just depends on how much interest we have in it,” Swanson said.

For information about future classes, contact Swanson at sandlswanson@ymail.com or (334) 349-2480.