MONUMENT - Monument Police Department will provide free firearm safety kits to local residents through a partnership with Project ChildSafe, the nationwide firearms safety education program.  The safety kits, which include a gun lock, will be distributed immediately from the Monument Police Department.

Project ChildSafe, a program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), will distribute millions of firearm safety kits throughout the country over the next year.  The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, with additional funding provided by the firearms industry.

"We encourage residents to pick up a Project ChildSafe safety kit so that they can securely store their firearm," said Monument Police Chief Jacob Shirk.  "Each kit contains gun safety curriculum and a cable-style gun lock.  The locks fit on most types of handguns, rifles and shotguns.  With hunting season just around the corner, let's all keep our children and homes safe.  The goal is to prevent a child or any other unauthorized person from accessing a firearm in your home."

By partnering with Project ChildSafe, the Monument Police Department is participating in a growing national effort to promote firearms safety education to all gun owners.  Project ChildSafe will distribute gun lock safety kits to all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. 

"We are pleased to have the Monument Police Department as a Project ChildSafe partner," said Bill Brassard, Jr., Director of Project ChildSafe.  "Project ChildSafe is an important step forward in helping ensure that all firearm owners fully understand their responsibilities with respect to the safe handling and storage of firearms."

The Monument Police Department administrative offices at 645 Beacon Lite Road, Monument, Colorado 80132 are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.  Feel free to drop by during these times to pick up your free gun lock kit.