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Nearly 200 Utah Teachers, School Workers Attend Free Concealed Weapons Class

Dec. 27, 2012 8:00pm Jason Howerton

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – DECEMBER 27: Firearm instructor Clark Aposhian teaches a concealed-weapons training class to 200 Utah teachers on December 27, 2012 in West Valley City, Utah. The Utah Shooting Sports Council said it would waive its $50 fee for concealed-weapons training for Utah teachers. Credit: Getty Images

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (TheBlaze/AP) — Jessica Fiveash sees nothing wrong with arming teachers. She’s one herself, and learned Thursday how to safely use her 9 mm Ruger with a laser sight.

“If we have the ability to stop something, we should do it,” said the elementary school teacher, who along with nearly 200 other teachers in Utah took six hours of free gun training offered by the state’s leading gun lobby.

It is among the latest efforts to arm or train teachers to confront assailants after a gunman killed his mother and then went on a rampage through Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., killing 20 children and six adults before killing himself.

In Ohio, a firearms group said it was launching a test program in tactical firearms training for 24 teachers. In Arizona, the attorney general is proposing a change to state law that would allow an educator in each school to carry a gun.

The moves to train teachers come after the National Rifle Association proposed placing an armed officer at each of the nation’s schools, though some schools already have police officers. Parents and educators have questioned how safe the proposal would keep kids and whether it would be economically feasible.

Some educators say guns shouldn’t be allowed on school campuses. Among the potential dangers they point to are teachers being overpowered for their weapons or students getting them and accidentally or purposely shooting classmates.

“It’s a terrible idea,” said Carol Lear, a chief lawyer for the Utah Office of Education. “It’s a horrible, terrible, no-good, rotten idea.”

Kristen Rand, the legislative director for the Violence Policy Center, a gun control advocacy organization, said to believe that a “teacher would be successful in stopping someone who has made the decision to engage in a shootout is just not rationale.”

“No teacher is ever going to be as effective as a trained law enforcement officer,” Rand said. Even trained police officers don’t always hit their targets, and arming teachers could put innocent students at risk of crossfire, she said.

Gun-rights advocates say teachers can act more quickly than law enforcement in the critical first few minutes to protect children from the kind of deadly shooting that took place in Connecticut. They emphasized the importance of reacting appropriately under pressure.

“We’re not suggesting that teachers roam the halls” looking for an armed intruder, said Clark Aposhian, chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, the state’s biggest gun lobby. “They should lock down the classroom. But a gun is one more option if the shooter” breaks into a classroom.

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – DECEMBER 27: With a handgun on his side, firearm instructor Clark Aposhian teaches a concealed-weapons training class to 200 Utah teachers on December 27, 2012 in West Valley City, Utah. The Utah Shooting Sports Council said it would waive its $50 fee for concealed-weapons training for Utah teachers. Credit: Getty Images

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – DECEMBER 27: Joanna Baginska (R), a fourth grade teacher at Odyssey Charter School in American Fork, Utah is shown how to handle a 40 cal. Sig Sauer by firearm instructor Clark Aposhian at a concealed-weapons training class to 200 Utah teachers on December 27, 2012 in West Valley City, Utah. The Utah Shooting Sports Council said it would waive its $50 fee for concealed-weapons training for Utah teachers. Credit: Getty Images

The group waived its $50 fee for the training. Instruction featured plastic guns and emphasized that people facing deadly threats should announce or show their gun and take cover before trying to shoot. They cautioned teachers about the liability that comes with packing a gun in public.

“It’s going to be a hassle. It’s another responsibility. You can’t just leave your gun lying around,” Aposhian said. “Not for a minute.”

The teachers at the basic gun training applied for a concealed-weapons permit, submitting fingerprints and a mug shot for a criminal background check. The class kicked off as an instructor in the “psychology of mass violence” offered various tactics to disrupt an assailant.

The first, the instructor said, was to start with the command: “Stop right there!”

“I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot if the danger was immediate,” said Fiveash, adding that her laser sight would make shooting in tight quarters safer.

English teacher Kevin Leatherbarrow said he often felt threatened while working at an inner-city school in Buffalo, N.Y., where he got a license to carry a pistol. He moved less than a year ago to Utah, where he feels safer. But he said gun violence can break out anywhere.

Leatherbarrow said he was highly trained in handling guns – and was taking criticism from parents who don’t appreciate his views on school safety.

“I’m in agreement not everybody should be carrying firearms in school. They’re not trained. But for some parents to think we’re cowboys, that frustrates me,” he said. “I wish parents would understand.”

In the U.S., the number of homicides at schools of children, ages 5-18, have been lower year-by-year in the 2000s than they were in the mid- to late-1990s, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics report on school crime released in 2012. At 32 deaths, the 2006-2007 school year was the only one that reached the levels from the 1990s. The manner of death was not listed.

Utah is among a few states that let people carry licensed concealed weapons into public schools without exception, the National Conference of State Legislatures says in a 2012 compendium of state gun laws.

Utah educators say they would ban guns if they could, but legislators left them with no choice. State law forbids schools, districts or college campuses from imposing their own gun restrictions.

Educators say they have no way of knowing how many teachers are armed. Gun-rights advocates estimate 1 percent of Utah teachers, or 240, are licensed to carry concealed weapons. It’s not known how many do so at school.

“I never felt threatened in 14 years of teaching, but I don’t think you can be too prepared,” said Tiffany Parry, a dance teacher in the Salt Lake City suburb of Sandy who applied for Thursday for a license to carry a concealed gun. “I think it could come in handy.”

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (142)

rfycom
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 10:28am
Makes no difference free training or not. You cannot predict what someone will do in the heat of combat. I’ve seen the strongest of men fold when someone is shooting at them. It is human nature.

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- olderjarhead
  Posted on December 28, 2012 at 10:45am
  Training makes all the difference. The chances are greatly increased for survival. I’m not buying your premise.
  
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olderjarhead
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 10:06am
One word; Beslan. It’s only a matter of time before this becomes a reality in this Country. Then what?

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hagar
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 9:54am
A true criminal act is to deny these teachers and their charges the right to defend themselves. Passing a law sure to be ignored by the EVIL nut jobs in our society in order to placate the emotions of illogical parents is the height of insanity. Have people learned nothing over the course of years? Dont they realize creating SOFT targets will guarantee a repeat of these tragedies? Let those who would carry concealed do so set no arbitrary number as to how many and provide continued training. To do any less is criminal

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Slipstick
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 9:54am
In the lead picture, the “instructor” appears to have the hammer back and his finger on the trigger. Helluva good example for his students. *IDIOT!!!*

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- Ajohn
  Posted on December 28, 2012 at 10:32am
  You have no idea what the context was in this picture.
  
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EqualForce
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 9:52am
I am a legal gun owner who submitted to background checks, completed the appropriate training, and take gun ownership seriously. As law-abiding citizens we are expected to navigate the labyrinth of conflicting state laws regarding firearms and we do successfully everyday. Although many of these laws are conflicting between neighboring states, we still respect them and abide by them everyday. Let’s make it easy for everyone (including David Gregory) and develop a basic framework across the United States.

With 300 million firearms in private hands (one-third of them pistols), the overwhelming majority of gun owners ARE responsible, law-abiding citizens, which is why these horrific massacres are not commonplace, but rather horrific outliers that can never be legislated away (e.g. DC, Chicago, and “Gun Free Zones”).

For several examples for the recent use of firearms for defensive purposes not typically reported by the national media please visit: http://www.equalforce.net please forward this address to others to whom this information may be useful. @forceequalizer

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Ajohn
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 9:38am
Utah has had armed police at schools for over 15 years. I thought all schools had active police in place; guess I was wrong.

This whole story is sad because it really tells us what America has become. We have ignored our mentally unbalanced because we want them to be equal, taught our children through media and gaming that gaining some level of fame is to get the highest score taking people out; even that it is fun. Coupled with the left’s school control, teaching an acrimonious approach to our history, and the emasculation of the American male, it is easy to understand why the mentally unbalanced resort to mass killings. Mass killings are not new, but I believe we have exacerbated the problem. If a child can watch Eddie Murphy put multiple rounds into another human, spellbound while the dying collapses leaving a bloody trail on the wall, and 15 seconds later laughing at the next screen shot, I think there is a problem. I have seen people die in battle and there is NOTHING funny about it, and the unpleasant memory lasts for a long, long time.

Now our elected elite will do their very best to take freedom from the masses to give some level of misguided comfort to a few with untold, unintended consequences.

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PatriotofPast
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 9:21am
When I was in High school, we were REQUIRED to take swimming, the wanted everyone to know how to swim. We had an Olympic sized swimming pool, very nice. So, why not have NRA Gun safety classes? I say let the teachers pack, not ALL, just some. Kind of like how the Air Marshalls work.

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Willik
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 9:09am
There was an instructor in San Antonio, Texas, giving free lessons for CCH licenses shortly after the Newtown mess.
I don’t know if he’s still at it, though, as it’s quite expensive.

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flipper1073
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 8:48am
This is Exactly the right way to deal with the Problem.
Not all teachers should or will have Guns in School.
But Some Well Trained Teachers with Guns May Stop
a Would be Shooter who enters a School with the intent
to kill Children.6 or 7 armed School Personal.
Armed Guards is not the Answer First off most School Districts.
Can’t afford an Armed Guard at Every School.
Second Most LEO’s can’t tell the Difference between a
Legal Carry Person an a Criminal.
nothing against LEO’s but they treat anyone with a gun
(except them) as the bad guy.I’ve had it happen an we’ve all seen
the Video’s.
Gun Free Zones are Stupid all They do is tell the Crazy Shooter
that NO ONE but them will be Armed.
I’m not about going back to the Wild West Days
where everyone wore a Sidearm But I Am all about
PROTECTING CHILDREN !
An NO Guns in Schools Ain’t Working !

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hgaut
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 8:22am
Great idea. An intruder will have to rethink doing any harm knowing that they could get shot at any moment. The kids don’t have to know who’s packing but parents will know that a teacher will be willling to defend their child if God forbid, another wack job breaks in to kil kids or someone wanting to harm a teacher.

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Hoax And Chains
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 6:49am
I have a problem with arming every teacher though I doubt something like this would be mandatory for all. Not everyone is capable of making split-second decisions and taking a stand in such a fashion. Some teachers will put themselves between a shooter and their students, as we saw with the principal and teachers in Sandy Hook. Not everyone has the same personality. Same as arming pilots; some wanted it and some didn’t. A firearm is not a simple tool like a pen, where everybody can use it without thinking. I would not want any school system employee to carry unless they went through rigorous, military-style training and kept up on their target practice, weekly. 99.9% will, thankfully, never have to draw but they must be adequately prepared.

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- rfycom
  Posted on December 28, 2012 at 10:34am
  I been through the military training. I’ve been shot at and I have returned fire and I have kiiled for the USA.I am here to tell you right now, you cannot predict what a man or woman will do when they have a gun pointed at them. Some standup and some do not. Some of the strongest recruits I knew folded.
  
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- olderjarhead
  Posted on December 28, 2012 at 11:00am
  But I could predict what someone will do if they have a gun pointed at them, and are unarmed. They will beg for their life, and die. Some of the strongest will fold, and some of the most unassuming, mild mannered will fight like a cornered badger.
  
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Vincero
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 6:36am
Uhhhh…does that guy have his finger on the trigger? Or is that a fat trigger. Finger on trigger unless you’re going to pull it is a Bozo No No.

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drenfroe
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 3:10am
I have nothing against arming teachers or at least having armed guards but I do think there should be rigorous mental evaluation before giving any teacher a gun to watch over the children. Don’t forget some of the people teaching our kids aren’t particularly someone I’d want to have a gun.

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SGT Rock
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 2:55am
Makes me want to move to Utah where my kids would be safe at school. It would also curtain the thuggish behavior of students at school knowing some teachers are packing heat. God bless them and their sheepdog mentality.

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KbJockey
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 2:35am
Gun Free Zone …. AKA Sacrificial altar for political correctness.

Political Correctness is a term originally coined by the Communists to define what is allowed or prohibited by the party. Now adopted by the liberal left or progressives. Actually I think the Communists just kept the term but adopted the names liberal left and progressive.

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Concerned Green Beret
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 12:28am
It is an infringement to require a permit to carry concealed. I am not against requiring teachers to learn how to use their weapons, but I am against requiring a CCP. The founders would be abhorred by what government at all levels are requiring its citizens to do in order to protect themselves. But what the heck, the commies got rid of the 1st, 4th, 9th and 10th amendments. I guess the 2nd is next.

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- olderjarhead
  Posted on December 28, 2012 at 10:13am
  The problem is nobody will defy the stupid laws, lest they be subjected to a heavy cost. There needs to be unified defiance of the rediculous. But D.C. keeps slowly boiling the frog.
  
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mikegrv8
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 11:56pm
I took Clark’s class several years ago, and yes: free to teachers. I carried until I retired; only the principal knew; not the students/not the teachers. Teaching in a pod outside the main building had to be an easy target for someone intent on killing anyone and I didn’t plan on abandoning my students. Fortunately… all was quiet.
Ex USAF pistol team/jump qualified/airborne. Moved from Calif. to Utah in 78: no regrets. I think, at least in Utah, people would volunteer once a week at NO cost to the school district.

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- 7munchkins
  Posted on December 28, 2012 at 3:35pm
  Yes! PTA could take on a whole new task for this. I’m IN!
  
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sasquatch08
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 11:52pm
“It’s a terrible idea,” said Carol Lear, a chief lawyer for the Utah Office of Education. “It’s a horrible, terrible, no-good, rotten idea.”

Why exactly? Sorry, but I find it hard to take you seriously when all you do is nay-say and don’t offer an alternative solution that doesn’t involve destroying the Constitution.

“No teacher is ever going to be as effective as a trained law enforcement officer,”

BS, no offense intended to the LEO community here, but I have had at least 12 officers ask, beg and even offer to pay me to teach them to shoot a handgun.

Every time it was the same: I’m at the range punching some paper and they approach looking sheepish and saying “Can you teach me to shoot like you do?”

100% of the time it’s not the officer that’s the problem, it’s that they don’t get enough time on a range. I’ve had cops from multiple police departments in multiple states tell me the dept. only supplies them 200-300 rounds of ammo for practice A YEAR. IMHO, 50 rounds a week is the minimum to keep your skills sharp enough to use in real life.

I’m sick of people acting like cops are crazy well trained spec-ops guys or gunslingers out of a movie. It’s simply not true, they’re people with a bit more training that civilians and a shoestring budget.

Teachers can get the same or better training by participating in 3-gun tactical courses, or taking a tactical course (with periodic refreshers of course) from a local gun club or shop.

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SouthTexan
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 11:35pm
Down here in Texas, we dig chicks with guns, trucks, bikes and boats. They learn to handle themselves just fine. We don’t need some liberal control freak that has never done an honest days work in her life telling us what to do. Don’t mess with Texas!

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American_Woman
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 11:07pm
How about arming some school bus drivers? After dropping kids off at school, they could be on a rotating schedule to guard the halls.

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sbenard
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 10:47pm
As a Utahn, I feel safer already! Good for them!

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denkat56
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 10:18pm
I still think open carrying should be allowed everywhere except in the schools. Most criminals don’t like being shot back at, it’s unfair. Go figure.

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LeadNotFollow
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 10:15pm
A Woman and her adult Daughter were just killed by a drunk driver, leaving behind two injured children without a Mom or Grandmother.
BAN BOOZE, not guns.
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/2-killed-3-hurt-in-Matthews-wreck-184912081.html

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SuttonShimai
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 10:12pm
“Utah educators say they would ban guns if they could.” Which Utah educators? It sure looked like a lot of Utah educators are getting themselves prepared, not banning guns.
By the way, if I were in that class, I wouldn’t be letting any photographer take my picture to be published in a news story. We don’t need to know which teachers might be armed. I am a teacher with a permit to carry, but my state is not as forward thinking as Utah.

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right-wing-waco
Posted on December 27, 2012 at 9:45pm
What a joke! Kristen Rand says there should not be guns in schools. I think we all agree, but those hell bent on shooting up a school full of students also wants no guns in the schools. Shooters want a “gun free zone”. Arm the teachers, trained and qualified. At least the teachers would have a chance to stop someone shooting. The alternative is to just stand up and catch little lead balls. Time for 2 schools, one with armed teachers and the other, (for libs kids), with gun free signs on the building.

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