HS Enacts Gun Security Effort at Football Games

CENTERVILLE — Leaders of Centerville and Washington Twp. public entities are making a push for secure weapons by offering free gun locks and asking residents to take a pledge for gun safety.

The program, "We Support Safe Communities," will hold a kickoff event at tonight's Centerville-Alter high school football game.

Sarah Swan, community relations specialist for the Centerville City Schools, said the initiative encourages all community members to take a pledge to keep firearms secure and be aware of who can access them at all times. Gun locks will be distributed at the football game and at locations throughout the community.

"At Centerville City Schools, we take the safety of our students and staff very seriously," said Centerville Superintendent Tom Henderson. "This is one more measure that can be taken by our community members to help keep our schools, our homes and our community safe."

According to Henderson, the school district shared the idea with city and township officials, and it became a community-wide effort with the City of Centerville, Washington Twp., Washington-Centerville Public Library and Centerville-Washington Park District all lending their support.

"Making the pledge to responsibly secure firearms brings our community together to offer another solution to enhance school and community safety by reducing the risk of their unauthorized use," said Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton.

Scott Paulson, president of the Washington Twp. Board of Trustees, said unsecured firearms pose a potential risk to schools and the community.

"It's been great to see how community organizations have rallied behind this idea," Paulson said. "Firearm safety and security is an issue of concern to everyone, and unsecured firearms present the potential for tragedy at home, at school or in the community. We are pleased to be a part of this initiative."

Local businesses and organizations, including the Miami Valley Armory and Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, have donated gun locks. City Barbeque is donating refreshments for the group that is passing out gun locks during the football game.

Those who are unable to make it to the kickoff event tonight can visit www.cwgunlocks.com to sign the pledge and receive a voucher for a free gun lock.

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