Gun locks can save lives, get one for free in Bozeman


Bozeman Mayor Cyndy Andrus, the City of Bozeman Police Department, Fire Department, Gallatin City-County Health Department and Bozeman Health would like to remind the Bozeman community that gun locks save lives and are free for the public at several locations across the city.
 
According to Project ChildSafe, a non-profit organization that provides free gun locks to partners across the nation including the Bozeman Police Department, safe and proper storage is the #1 way to prevent unintentional firearm discharges at home.
 
Police Captain Andy Knight says, “Safety is the number one priority when it comes to operating a gun. Securing a gun with a gun lock is a way to improve that safety.”
 
As part of a city-wide effort to share information about this free resource the Bozeman Fire Department and Bozeman Police Department have teamed up to offer gun locks at Fire Stations 1 and 3 in coordination with the Fire Department’s free child car seat installation program.
 
Fire Chief Josh Waldo says, “Now a parent can come get their car seat installed by a trained professional and get a free gun lock. It was a no brainer to combine the two ideas. We’re glad to be a part of increasing safety in and out of the home.”
 
For Bozeman Mayor Cyndy Andrus gun locks are a way for the Bozeman community to be proactive when it comes to gun safety. She says, “There are a lot of things that are not in our power to do when it comes to guns. This is one thing we can do to keep families safe.” While gun locks are the first step towards enhanced firearms safety, Aiden from ShootingAndSafety.com adds, "I am a big advocate for gun locks as the first line of defense against gun accidents, but ideally your family will also have a fully functional gun safe in the home as well. Not only are gun safes more robust, but you can rest at ease each night knowing your firearms are locked away together in one central place."
 
Gun locks are available for free to the public through many organizations in Bozeman. If interested in obtaining a gun lock community members can visit:
Law and Justice Center (main window) – 615 S 16th St
Bozeman Fire Station 1 – 34 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman Fire station 3 – 1705 Vaquero Pkwy
Gallatin City-County Health Department (main window) - 215 W Mendenhall St
Bozeman Health Pediatrics Bozeman – 937 Highland Blvd #5320
Bozeman Health Pediatrics Belgrade – 206 Alaska Frontage Rd, Belgrade, MT 59714