News Article

Gun Safety Program Returns to Virginia

Monday, October 29, 2007
Loretta Boniti
NBC 29 - WVIR-TV

A program that has provided over 35 million free firearm safety kits throughout the U.S. is returning to Virginia. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling helped kick off the Project ChildSafe campaign Monday at the state Capitol.

Bolling pointed out that although the number of accidental gun deaths has reduced dramatically in the past decade, there were still over 200 unintentional shooting deaths in 2005.

To help reduce that number, Project ChildSafe is giving out free gun locks to anyone who requests one. Project officials say they are easy to use, taking about 10 seconds to put on.

"It does not defeat the purpose of self defense. What it does is keeps your firearm purposely for your use, and no one else's," said Shari LeGate with Project ChildSafe.

Law enforcement officers were on hand at the state Capitol Monday to show their support for the program. Many said the program is an important step that all gun owners should take to help keep everyone safe when a firearm is in a home.

If you want to get one of the free gun locks, most law enforcement agencies have them, or you can contact the lieutenant governor's office and they will mail you one.

For additional information contact Randy Marcus at 804-786-2078 or 804-814-7117 (cell) or randy.marcus@governor.virginia.gov.