Volunteer recognised
Northern Times, Page: 7. Friday, 23 October 2009
Without volunteers like James Pascoe local residents wishing to obtain a firearms licence would need to travel for the first stage of the process.
Mr Pascoe has been a firearms safety instructor since 1998, conducting classes at Kerang Technical High School.
Farmers, sportspeople and high school students participating in shooting competition, have all benefited from Mr Pascoe’s safety tuition over the years.
Mr Pascoe said that the classes are the first step towards getting a firearms licence.
“Anyone who wants tobe involyed (in the sport) has to attend,” he said.
He said that other than classes in Kerang, the closest would likely be Bendigo.
Volunteers like Mr Pascoe from across the Swan Hill, Gannawarra and Buloke police service area have recently been recognised for their contributions.
The volunteers give up about three hours a month for persons wishing to obtain a Victorian shooters licence.
Acting Inspector Mick Carroll praised Mr Pascoe and other volunteers for their time and effort generously given over the years, a service greatly appreciated by Victoria Police.
“The training program greatly reduces the strain on police resources and long-term reduces incidents of firearm related offences,” he said.
“Due to the nature of the sport, we are constantly on the lookout for reliable volunteer instructors who have an interest in firearms.
“The isolated rural country area we live in draws barriers, many areas only having one instructor.” Anyone interested in becoming an instructor should contact Regional Firearms Officer Keith Pickering, at Swan Hill on 5036 4405.
Home > Media monitoring > 2009 > Volunteer recognised