Gateway Technical College will offer a training course Sunday, Feb. 19 for those wishing to obtain a concealed carry weapon permit in the state of Wisconsin at the Walworth County Range, N6637 Hodges Road, Elkhorn.
The training meets the requirements of the state’s new concealed carry law.
Gateway law enforcement academy instructors and local law enforcement training officers will provide quality, hands-on Wisconsin Department of Justice-certified training.
The course is eight hours, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., which exceeds the DOJ’s recommended number of hours to receive a concealed carry license. It gives attendees time to familiarize themselves with handguns by shooting one on a live range as well as in computer simulated settings and also through the use of air soft weapon scenarios used to train police officers.
Students will be trained to take a DOJ conceal/carry test, which they must pass in order to receive a completion of training certificate from the college.
Course instructor Ray Merlin said the added components to this course compared to the four-hour version taught elsewhere is the in-depth look at the law and familiarization of handguns for attendees.
“The extended, more in-depth course brings with it a peace of mind,” said Merlin. “We believe this is something we need to offer, that the community wants us to do and we are working hard to make sure it is of the highest quality. The instructors are professionals in their field and will deliver the course in a professional manner.”
Merlin said while the course won’t teach attendees how to shoot proficiently, it does allow them to handle and shoot a weapon to gain some familiarity with one if they have to use it once they obtain a permit.
“We don’t want people to experience the recoil of a weapon for the first time when they are defending themselves,” he said. “It’s a self-defense mechanism, and we want them to be prepared for when they use it.”
Merlin says students will be able to see and handle a number of different weapons, including pistols, knives, pepper spray and electronic stun devices.
Courses will cost $125 and will be held throughout February at other locations as well; the full list can be found by visiting the school’s website.
For more information call Ray Merlin or Molly Meagher at (262) 564-3180 or visit the school’s website at
www.gtc.edu/webadvisor.
Gateway Technical College collaborates with communities in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties to ensure economic growth and viability by providing education, training, leadership and technological resources to meet the changing needs of students, employers and communities.