NSSF and partners to distribute 1,000 free gun locks to Little Rock residents to encourage secure firearm storage and help prevent accidents
NSSF — The Firearm Industry Trade Association — and its Project ChildSafe program today announced the launch of Project ChildSafe Little Rock in collaboration with Little Rock Police Department, Little Rock Fire Department, Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and local mental health, veterans and firearms organizations. The county-wide initiative aims to promote responsible firearm ownership and secure firearm storage practices across the community to prevent accidents, thefts and misuse, including suicide.
"We're proud to partner with law enforcement across Little Rock to provide 1,000 gun locks and educational resources on firearm safety to the community," said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. "When firearms are stored securely, families and communities are safer. Simple steps like using a gun lock can help protect children from unauthorized access and play an important role in preventing accidents, misuse and suicide. That's why Project ChildSafe was formed 27 years ago, and it's why we are here today."
"Public safety is strongest when law enforcement and the community work together," said Mark Edwards, Public Information Officer with the Little Rock Police Department. "Through Project ChildSafe Little Rock, we're helping residents take meaningful steps to secure firearms, protect children and prevent firearm-related tragedies, including accidents, thefts and suicide."
During a press conference at the Little Rock Police Department Headquarters that included remarks from Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., officials and community members from across Arkansas gathered to emphasize the importance of simple, everyday actions gun owners can take to help prevent firearm-related accidents, thefts and suicides. In addition to the press conference, Little Rock Police Department, Little Rock Fire Department and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office are hosting gun lock distribution events, allowing Little Rock residents to pick up free Project ChildSafe cable locks and safety kits, no questions asked.
"As a fire marshal and a father, I know that prevention is always the best response," said Little Rock Chief Fire Marshal Antonio Mosby. "Secure firearm storage is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help keep children safe, prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of tragedy. The Little Rock Fire Department is grateful to partner with Project ChildSafe and the NSSF to bring these resources to the Little Rock community."
"Keeping Pulaski County residents safe is at the heart of everything we do," said Pulaski County Sheriff's Office Captain Chris Ameling. "Our partnership with Project ChildSafe is about giving people simple, practical tools — including gun locks and educational materials — to take immediate action at home and help reduce preventable firearm-related incidents."
Project ChildSafe Focus Communities is a nationwide program of the NSSF, focused on promoting responsible firearm ownership and storage. The program works closely with local leaders and organizations to address each community's unique needs and help spread firearm safety messages through trusted local channels.
Project ChildSafe Little Rock law enforcement and local leaders include:
• Little Rock Police Department
• Little Rock Fire Department
• Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
Additional community partners include:
- Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Arkansas
- The Armory Project
- Armed Women of America – Central Arkansas
- A Girl & A Gun – Hot Springs
- Ashley Hlebinsky, Firearms Historian
- Arkansas Armory
- American Guns & Gifts
- Therapeutic Arms & Ammunition
- Levy Pawn
NSSF's Project ChildSafe has delivered 1,000 cable gun locks and educational resources to local partners for distribution among Little Rock residents at no cost. A digital advertising campaign will also run throughout Pulaski County, providing residents with information on where to obtain free gun locks and emphasizing the importance of secure firearm storage.
For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit projectchildsafe.org.
About Project ChildSafe: NSSF — The Firearm Industry Trade Association — launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (originally as Project HomeSafe). Since 1999, the program has provided more than 42 million free firearm safety kits that include gun locks to firearm owners in all 50 states through partnerships with thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country. That's in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included, and continue to include, with new firearms sold since 1998. While helping to prevent accidents among children is a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help adults practice greater firearm safety. More information is available at projectchildsafe.org.