By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— For six hours Jan. 16, 10 city employees spent some time with the Pelham Police Department staff and participated in its inaugural firearm safety course.

“It’s a familiarization and safety course,” said Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer. “It’s a real basic course just to get you familiar with a weapon, to instruct you on safety of the weapon and safety storage and use of the weapon.”

Palmer said this is something the police department used to host years ago, and he thought it would be good to bring the program back. The program has already generated a “tremendous amount of interest,” according to Palmer.

Not only does the program aim to make attendees feel comfortable using a weapon, but it also covers proper storage and the Alabama firearms law, which Palmer said can be confusing.

The class will begin with city employees and their spouses, according to Palmer, and then it will open up to Pelham residents and business owners. The department will be pushing out announcements and offer classes as staffing and the weather permits.

“Our first class we had a lot of great reviews,” Palmer said. “We got some real positive feedback.”

If residents are going to own a gun or have one in their home, Palmer said it is important to know how to store it and use it safely. If attendees have their own handgun or weapon, Palmer said they can bring it to the course.

The department also has some firearms available for attendees to try out. Palmer said it would be beneficial for someone trying to determine what kind of firearm to purchase.

He said the Pelham Police Department is excited to offer this program, and that he hopes it will be beneficial for city and its residents.

There is an extensive list of people interested in taking the course, according to Palmer, and the list is still growing. Despite the great interest in the program, Palmer said everyone interested will have the opportunity to take the course.

“I will make this promise,” Palmer said. “If you want to take this course, we will make it happen for you.”