Tactics And Training
Williams Gun Sight offers free safety training for houses of worship
Williams Gun Sight offers free safety training for houses of worship
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Davison Township, Michigan
DAVISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - In response to a tragic church shooting and fire in nearby Grand Blanc Township that claimed four lives and injured eight, religious leaders across Michigan are stepping up to enhance safety measures in their houses of worship. This heightened focus on security comes as church leaders reflect on the increasing incidence of mass shootings in places of worship, with over 300 incidents reported in the last two decades. In a proactive effort to equip these leaders with essential survival skills, Williams Gun Sight Company, located in Davison Township, has begun offering a free class entitled "Protecting Your House of Worship." Originally priced, this mini-class is now offered at no cost as a direct response to the unfortunate events in Grand Blanc. Mark Lockwood, the lead firearm safety instructor at Williams Gun Sight, notes the necessity of such training. "Any expanded training is just a valuable tool to have in your toolbox," said Gregory Harris, a retired deputy sheriff who attended the session. The class provides essential strategies for church leaders, covering topics such as forming emergency plans, identifying potential threats, and engaging the congregation in safety measures. Training included advice on the essential emergency protocols to prepare congregants, with emphasis placed on familiarity with exits and devising a cohesive response plan in the event of a crisis. Douglas Smith, a churchgoer from Waterford, highlighted the importance of preparedness, stating, "It's always good to know where your exits are and the plan." The curriculum underscores universally applicable safety tips tailored for various denominations, touching on personal safety, threat prevention, and first aid for treating injuries sustained during an attack. Lockwood's emphasis on creating a cohesive team to strategize safety efforts is crucial for any congregation. Drawing from his experience, he advocated for a forward-thinking approach, reacting less to threats after they occur and focusing more on prevention strategies: "You really want to get the entire congregation involved with this so that they're aware of it so that, heaven forbid, if an armed individual does decide to wreak chaos inside the sanctuary, people know what to do ahead of time. It's more on the prevention side, less on the armed response side." Moreover, Lockwood reiterated the importance of controlling access to these facilities, encouraging congregants to be informed about their surroundings and to follow the crucial run, hide, fight protocol in that order. More training sessions are planned for the upcoming months, ensuring faith communities remain vigilant and well-prepared for potential threats. The initiative reflects a growing trend among religious groups to prioritize safety and security measures, aiming to protect their members during worship. As places of worship continue to grapple with the reality of mass violence, the efforts being made by organizations like Williams Gun Sight signal an important shift in how faith communities approach personal and collective safety, blending traditional values of faith with contemporary necessities of security.