Free gun locking devices available
Project ChildSafe partners with local law enforcement
Approximately 1,600 firearm safety kits will be distributed throughout Marion County by the various county law enforcement agencies as part of Project ChildSafe.
Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program with the purpose of promoting safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearm owners through distribution of safety education messages and free gun locking devices also known as firearms safety kits.
Chuck Thurston, project representative, said Monday that 230,000 locks would be distributed in Kansas. He met locally with Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker and Marion Police Chief Michel Soyez.
"We will distribute the locks at events like Chingawassa Days, Labor Day, and the fair," Becker said. "Locks and materials will also be available for pickup at the sheriff's department, and at police departments in Marion, Florence, Hillsboro, and Peabody."
ChildSafe partners with governors, lieutenant governors, U.S. Attorneys, mayors and local law enforcement to raise awareness about safe and responsible firearms ownership and storage.
Nationally, the program will provide 20 million free gun locks and educational materials to families in all 50 states, the five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, 15 education vehicles are on the road with project representatives distributing the information. Four of those trucks are working throughout Kansas, Thurston said.
The project is supported by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and is a component of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
