For the first and only time this year, the Troy Police Department will hold a firearms safety and familiarization course. The two-day course offers safety tips, comparisons of several pistols, use-of-force issues and hands-on experience on a shooting range.

“It’s been two years since we had them,” said Lt. Bryan Weed. “But, we’re trying to bring them back.”

The classes were interrupted when previous instructor, Sgt. Tim Hunter, retired. Sgt. Ryan Nelson has taken the reigns and will teach September’s course.

Weed said the department would try to offer the popular course every spring and fall from now on.

Weed described the course as something for beginners. “The purpose of the course is to help people who have either not handled firearms or those who have firearms and aren’t comfortable with them,” he said.

Weed has taught the course in the past and said he enjoys it. “I always grew up with firearms. So, I enjoy shooting and enjoy teaching others the enjoyment of it,” he said. The first session will be held Thursday, Sept. 25 in the Municipal Courtroom from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Safety tips, introductions to weapons and use-of-force issues will be discussed. The class will meet again the following Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to noon at the gun range. Participants will learn to fire revolvers.

All weapons and supplies are provided. The cost of the course is $10, which covers ammunition.

The course is open to the first 20 people who sign up for it. Weed recommended not procrastinating, “We’ve had a lot of interest in it.”

Participants must be at least 21 years old and cannot be a convicted felon. A pistol permit is not necessary.

For more information contact Lt. Brian Weed at 334.670.2225. The registration form is available on the City of Troy’s website (www.troyal.gov) or at www.troymessenger.com.