NSSF and partners to distribute over 2,000 free gun locks to Utah residents to encourage secure firearm storage and help prevent accidents

SALT LAKE CITY– NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, and its Project ChildSafe® program today announced the launch of "Project ChildSafe Salt Lake” in collaboration with Salt Lake City Police Department, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, South Salt Lake Police Department, West Jordan Police Department, Murray City Police Department and Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement as well as various local leaders and organizations. The comprehensive metro-area initiative aims to promote responsible firearm ownership and secure firearm storage practices across the community to prevent accidents, thefts and misuse, including suicide.

"Secure storage – including the use of gun locks – is the best way to help prevent firearm-related accidents, misuse and suicides. That’s why Project ChildSafe was formed over 26 years ago, and why we’re in Salt Lake City today," said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. "We’re grateful to work alongside so many law enforcement and community partners to distribute over two-thousand gun locks and educational resources across the Salt Lake area to help make our families and communities safer."

“The Salt Lake City Police Department is working every day to serve our community and make it safer,” said Chief Brian Redd. "Our partnership with Project ChildSafe and other community leaders is part of this important effort to reduce gun accidents, misuse and fatalities."

During a press conference at the Utah Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Identification office, officials and local leaders from Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, South Salt Lake, West Jordan and West Valley gathered to emphasize the importance of simple, everyday actions gun owners can take to help prevent firearm-related accidents, thefts and suicides. In addition to the press conference, local partners have created 12 gun lock distribution events at local sites throughout the community, allowing Salt Lake residents to pick up free Project ChildSafe cable locks and learn about other secure storage devices, no questions asked.

“Our department is honored to join Project ChildSafe and other Salt Lake area partners in promoting gun safety and secure storage in our communities,” said South Salt Lake Chief of Police Danielle Croyle. “Every firearm fatality is a tragedy, and storing firearms properly – with a gun lock, gun safe or secure storage device for vehicles – is one simple way we can all save lives.”

Project ChildSafe Focus Communities is a nationwide program of the NSSF, focused on promoting responsible firearm ownership and storage. The program works closely with local leaders and organizations to address each community's unique needs and help spread firearm safety messages through trusted local channels.

Project ChildSafe Salt Lake law enforcement and local leaders include:

· Salt Lake City Police Department

· Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office

· South Salt Lake Police Department

· West Jordan Police Department

· Murray City Police Department

· Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement

· Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson

· South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood

· Murray City Mayor Brett Hales

Additional community partners include:

· AFSP – Utah Chapter

· Armed Women of America – Utah Chapter

· A Girl and a Gun – Utah Chapter

· Legacy Shooting Center

· Utah Shooting Sports Council

· Women for Gun Rights – Utah Chapter

NSSF's Project ChildSafe has delivered more than 2,000 cable gun locks and educational resources to local partners for distribution among Salt Lake residents at no cost. A digital and outdoor advertising campaign will also run throughout the county, providing residents with information on where to obtain free gun locks and emphasizing the importance of secure firearm storage.

For more information on Project ChildSafe Communities and how to get involved, visit projectchildsafe.org.