On the morning of Saturday, June 8, 2024, Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy of the Excelsior Springs Police Department conducted an informative workshop on gun safety. The session, attended by over twenty concerned citizens, aimed to address the critical aspects of firearm handling, storage, and the legal responsibilities of gun ownership. The event was sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Excelsior Springs Business Women of Missouri (ESBWM) in conjunction with National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 7th.
Workshop Organizer Shannon Morgan opened the event giving a welcome and introducing Lt. Dowdy. Lt. Dowdy began the workshop with personal anecdotes highlighting the potential consequences of unsafe gun handling. He shared a harrowing story about a bullet narrowly missing two infants, emphasizing the severe risks posed by complacency in firearm ownership. To underline these points, he displayed non-graphic photographs of bullet holes and damage caused by accidental discharges, encouraging attendees to reflect on the importance of safe gun practices.
Dowdy stressed the foundational role of education in gun safety, urging gun owners to become familiar with their firearms through proper training. He recommended various local facilities offering gun safety courses, including Frontier Justice in Lee’s Summit.
He demonstrated the use of basic gun locks and discussed advanced storage solutions like biometric safes, highlighting the need for secure storage to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children. Dowdy reiterated the importance of ensuring everyone in the household understands and adheres to safety protocols.
Effective communication within the household about firearm policies was another key topic. Dowdy advised setting clear boundaries and ensuring that everyone, including children, understands who can handle the firearm and under what circumstances.
He also touched on the necessity of situational awareness and decision-making. Gun owners must mentally prepare for the possibility of using their firearm and understand the legal ramifications of such actions. Dowdy clarified that the use of a firearm in self-defense must be legally justified, and owners should be ready to articulate their decision-making process if they ever need to use their weapon.
The discussion also delved into the sensitive issue of mental health and suicide, noting that firearms are often involved in these tragedies. Dowdy shared statistics indicating that a significant percentage of firearm deaths are suicides and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness. He encouraged attendees to support friends and family members showing signs of distress and to consider temporary removal of firearms from those experiencing severe mental health issues.
In response to questions about active shooter scenarios, Dowdy explained the challenges of providing specific training due to liability concerns. He recommended private security firms that offer specialized training for businesses and schools. Emphasizing the importance of compliance, he advised that in any active shooter situation, individuals must immediately follow police instructions to avoid being mistakenly identified as a threat.
Lt. Dowdy concluded the workshop by inviting participants to view the displayed photographs and engage in further discussions. He thanked attendees for their commitment to safety and encouraged ongoing dialogue about gun safety and community well-being.
The workshop underscored the critical need for responsible gun ownership, thorough education, secure storage, and clear communication to ensure the safety of individuals and the community at large.
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