Office of Governor: Kansas
For Immediate Release
August 29, 2007
Nicole Corcoran, Press Secretary
785.368.8500

Parkinson and Project ChildSafe promote firearm safety in Topeka
Over 6,000 firearm safety kits to be distributed statewide

Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson and representatives from state and local law enforcement were in Topeka today to promote Project ChildSafe, a nationwide firearms safety education program.     

“Gun locks are a simple way to prevent gun accidents from occurring, especially accidents involving children.  It’s quick, easy way to reduce the risk of an accident and I encourage all Kansans to take advantage of these free safety kits,” said Parkinson.

Project ChildSafe, a program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), has distributed more than 35 million firearm safety kits throughout the country since 2003 – including more than 300,000 in Kansas.

The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, with additional funding provided by the firearms industry. In Kansas, kits are distributed by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in conjunction with the Kansas Highway Patrol and are available at the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

“We’re pleased to have Lt. Governor Parkinson, the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas law enforcement officials as Project ChildSafe Partners,” said Doug Painter, president and CEO of NSSF. “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.”

Kansas residents can request safety kits through Parkinson’s Web site, http://www.governor.ks.gov/LtGov/ChildSafe.htm.

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