Are you passionate about responsible gun ownership and community safety? Mark your calendars for the Safe Shoot, a unique and impactful gathering aimed at promoting the safe handling, storage, and use of firearms. Hosted by Fremont Counseling and several community partners, this event is a must-attend for all firearm enthusiasts and safety advocates.
The event will be held at the Shoshoni Shooting Range on Saturday, Sept. 7th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM and other activities, including a chuck wagon lunch, will be held at Shoshoni City Park starting at 11:00 AM.
Scott Hayes, a leading figure at Fremont Counseling, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “Linking with the idea that the majority of suicide completions in the nation and then recently, all of them in Fremont County have been done with a firearm. We need to partner with the gun-owning community because nobody wants suicide to be a part of anyone’s experience. Safe handling, storage, and use of weapons can save lives.”
Key Activities:
- Shooting Competitions: Engage in both adult and youth shooting competitions using .22 caliber open-sight rifles. “It’s a family-oriented event with a serious message about safety and community,” says Becky Parker, one of the main organizers.
- Educational Sessions: Learn from experts about the importance of safe firearm practices. Becky Parker explains, “Our goal is to promote safe handling, safe storage, and understanding the importance of temporary firearm storage during times of crisis.”
“There are some real common sense things that we can do to alleviate risk in a crisis, reduce risk in a crisis,” states Hayes. “One is safe storage at the right time in the right place. Suppose somebody is going through a rough patch. What better use of a friendship or a family relationship than to be able to say, and make the decision together, hey, let’s store these weapons temporarily over here for a while. The first thought to first action is sometimes only 10 to 20 minutes. If that weapon is locked up with a trusted person, you can get past those 10 to 20 minutes and go on to hopefully reach out for more help.”
The event will feature presentations by local leaders and mental health advocates. “We’ll have some speeches going on,” says Hayes. “The Mayor of Shoshoni, members of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, and others will share their insights on the importance of this initiative.”
Mental health is a critical focus of the event. “100% of our suicides this year have been males, and all with firearms,” Parker notes. The Safe Shoot event aims to break down the stigma around seeking help and to encourage open conversations about mental health and firearm safety.
“The event is a fundraiser,” states Hayes. “$10 for 10 rounds for adults and $5 for 5 rounds for youth. Proceeds from the event will support suicide prevention efforts and uncompensated care for individuals in crisis.”
Enjoy a chuck wagon lunch, participate in a silent auction, and connect with local vendors—all while supporting a vital cause.
A Collaborative Effort:
Fremont Counseling has partnered with numerous local organizations to bring this event to life. The Town of Shoshoni, CWC, Fremont County Prevention and the Fremont County Suicide Taskforce have all provided support and assistance in organizing the event.
“CWC’s security team and instructors have been invaluable in helping us organize this event. Their expertise ensures that the event runs smoothly and safely,” Hayes says. “The Town of Shoshoni has been a wonderful supporter of us, Mayor Highsmith in particular. They’ve made a lot of things possible for us.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community-driven effort to promote responsible gun ownership and support mental health awareness. Together, we can make a difference!
Mark your calendar!
- Date: September 7, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Shooting Range), 11:00 AM onwards (City Park)
- Location: Shoshoni Shooting Range and Shoshoni City Park
For more information and to donate, visit fremontcounseling.org.
Let’s come together to promote safety, support mental health, and save lives!
If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 now or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.
For Fremont County and Wyoming resources, click here.
