The timing for a special forum on Michigan’s new gun safety law was interesting Thursday.
Six area experts gave a presentation in Wayland about keeping children away from getting their hands on guns in the home. The new law went into effect earlier this month and just this week a Flint man was arrested for letting his 6-year-old daughter find a gun in his home and shoot herself in the face.
The six experts who spoke at the Millwrights and Carpenters facility included:
- Allegan County Prosecutor Myrene Koch, who explained the provisions and penalties in the new law.
- Assistant Allegan County Prosector Elizabeth Peterson, who formerly worked in Berrien County and whose father is a certified NRA firearms instructor.
- Wayland Township Supervisor Roger VanVolkingburg, who teaches gun safety.
- Wayland Police Chief Scott Matice, who was a 28-year veteran of the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department.
- Wayland High School resource officer Jon Schaefer, also a member of the Wayland Police Dept.
- Darryle Rostic, former pastor and now a firearms dealer and instructor.
Schaefer, who earlier earned accolades for saving the life of a basketball referee, told those in attendance it’s important for parents to realize it’s never too early to have “that conversation” with children about any guns in the home.
“Kids are smarter than what we give them credit for,” he said. “Talk to them constantly about gun safety.”
He added that it’s important for adults to show and not just tell kids proper and safe ways to handle a firearm.
Van Volkingburg said sadly that “We’re losing the battle on gun safety to video games and television,” two devices that too often take liberties with methods of carrying and handling guns.
“Always have the firearm pointed in the right direction and make sure the gun is not loaded and stored safely,” he added.
Rostic, who owns Straight Shooters LLC in the Grand Rapids area, stressed the importance of families coming up with emergency situation plans.
When asked about citizens’ reaction to the new law, he said it doesn’t matter whether we like or dislike it, it’s the law now and it is intended to solve, not create problems.
Koch stressed the importance of storing unloaded firearms safely, especially in the presence of minors.
She outlined provisions of the new law, noting that even the most minor violation could land an offender in jail for as many as 93 days with a $500 fine. Those who allow children to use a gun to injure or even kill others will face even stiffer penalties, a much as 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She also said a child who fires a gun in someone else’s home still could result in parents facing very similar penalties.
Noting the case in Genesee County earlier this week, she said, “These are circumstances that could have been prevented. We must be sure that firearms are kept unloaded in safe storage.”
Matice said parents shouldn’t believe they can hide their weapons from their children, who are naturally curious and likely to find a way to locate them.
A question from the audience came about what a homeowner can do to gain quick access to a firearm if the house is the scene of an intrusion.
Rostic said there are quick access items available for situations like that, but he reiterated that a family protection plan is the best way to prepare for emergency situations.
Also when asked if accidents outnumber successful deterrance of criminals, Matice replied that unfortunately accidents are much more frequent.
Van Volkingburg said he has owned firearms for many years and they are always unloaded and safely locked up in his house.
Rostic advised all gun owners who buy or sell their weapons to fill out an “RI-60 form,” to provide proper record of the sale.
Koch added that prospective gun owners shouldn’t obtain firearms they aren’t familiar with or uncomfortable using, which sometimes can lead to unintended consequences.
A video in back of the presenters noted that firearms are the No. 1 cause of death for youngsters up to age 18.
The forum was set up by the United Church of Wayland and member Erin Stepek served as moderator.
The NRA bought our government from keeping stats, but it is estimated that a firearm discharged in a residence in 20-50 times more likely to have a tragic outcome than an heroic one.
Thank you for your presentation. Common sense gun safety is needed