The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Going Above and Beyond

As any firearms owner already knows, safety is always rule number one. The Winnebago County Sheriff's office in Rockford, Illinois is a big proponent of firearm safety, and educates their community by teaching safe firearm handling.

Recently, The NRA Foundation awarded the Winnebago County Sheriff's office with a grant of $1,318 which provided them with safety equipment. The Sheriff’s office received hearing and eye protection, along with other crucial range equipment for training officers. Due to the department’s budget restraints, the grant was much needed and graciously accepted. The grant is helping them continue to maintain their high level of safety and training, as well as provide those training resources to other departments in the area. Although the range isn’t open to the public, they are able to educate their community in another way. Through the NRA Eddie Eagle gun safety program.  

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office was able to bring Eddie Eagle to their community through the help of their first grant from The NRA Foundation, which totaled $2,800. They purchased an Eddie Eagle costume and educational materials. Once COVID-19 restrictions lift later in the year, the Sheriff’s office plans on continuing the Eddie Eagle gun safety program in all their local schools. “This gun safety program is a great opportunity to educate the children and our community on firearm safety and what they should do if they come across a firearm,” said Sgt. Anthony Ponte with the Winnebago County Sheriff's office.

The only thing better than providing grants to clubs and organizations who need them is providing them to law enforcement who keep those safe and help educate the community. The dedication of firearm safety education displayed by The Winnebago County Sheriff's office is something the citizens of Rockford should be proud of.

“The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the partnership we have developed with The NRA Foundation, and for the grants we have been awarded through their program. Keeping our community safe and educated on firearm safety is very important to our office,” noted Sgt. Ponte.