Jones told the Journal-News about 100 people have shown interest in the classes since they were announced Tuesday, and he expects that number to climb close to 200 to 300.
Jones said the sessions will include CCW training and assistance for churches wanting to begin a security program. The training will have to be approved by the individual churches.
“Unfortunately, in these days and times, no place is immune from mass shootings, and we want our citizens to go to church without worry and fear, feeling safe and secure to worship with their families and fellow church members,” Jones said.
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Many churches already have a security plan and encourage law enforcement officers who come to worship to carry their weapons, Jones said.
“It is a crazy world we live in,” he said. “We cannot just bury our heads in the sand.”
Members of area security teams who carry firearms and monitor video surveillance cameras in the parking lot and inside the church agree that churches have to operate differently than they did years ago.
“This isn’t the ’60s, when churches were open 24/7 and you could come and go,” said Ron Trusty, a retired law enforcement officer and former security director at Solid Rock Church in Monroe. “The world and the times are different. Churches have to be prepared and ready.”
That means creating and properly training a safety team. It’s more than handing firearms to members, he said.
Princeton Pike Church of God in Liberty Twp., one of the largest in Butler County, started a security team 10 years ago, and it has grown to 15 to 18 members, said Nick Gibson, director of the team.
“People are seeing the need to do this,” said Gibson, who added he has admiration for Jones and his plan.
At Princeton Pike, the team, consisting mostly of law enforcement officers and military veterans, carries firearms and is stationed in “strategic areas,” monitoring the doors, children’s area and sanctuary.
The team consists of armed members, communications team and a medical response team in case there’s an emergency. The team, he said, trains about once per month and has met with other churches in the area that are interested in starting a security team.
The way people perceive security teams has changed over the years, Gibson said. They went from “I can’t believe you’re here” to “thank you for being here,” he said.
First-time visitors to the church even have asked whether Princeton Pike has a trained, armed team, Gibson said.
First Baptist Church of Hamilton has a security team and Pastor Dan Clemens said there are signs on the doors that say there are CCW-trained staff on site. There was talk about even posting a sign that said the church was “gun-friendly,” then Clemens said he felt that was “too in your face.”
He said the security team monitors the church’s long driveway, parking lot and 60,000-square-foot building.
“We have to be concerned,” he said. “After what happened in Texas, it’s a fact of life now.”
When Pastor Lamar Ferrell preaches at Berachah Church in Middletown, he never fears for his life, he said.
The security team at Berachah includes several law enforcement officials and municipal court bailiffs who attend the church. That’s “a huge bonus,” Ferrell said, because of their extensive training for their professions. He said the team practices, meets and has continuous plans in place.
“In this day and age, you have to,” he said when asked about having a security team. “My job is to shepherd my flock and keep them out of danger.”
Those looking to register for the training at the BCSO will have to be involved in an approved church security team. Limited space is available, so interested parties are to send the Butler County Sheriff’s Office an email at ccwclass@butlersheriff.org.
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