Following the tragic event that took place June 14 in Washington, D.C., House Majority Whip Rep. Timothy Hill (R – 3rd District) is hoping a new program will help ensure safety for elected officials within the region.
Hill recently announced the plan to unveil a pair of handgun carry permit classes for elected officials in Northeast Tennessee coming up over the next two months.
“While it is my hope that none of us face such a terrifying situation, I believe it is best to be prepared,” Hill told the Elizabethton Star Thursday, referencing the June shooting that took place during practice for the congressional baseball team at Eugene Simpson Field. “The shooting that took place was a strong reminder that danger could be just around the corner.”
Classes are available for any elected officials in the region, ranging from commissioners, officeholders and others. Spots are filling up quick for the class, with the September class taking place in Elizabethton. Individuals can reserve a spot for the class by calling (423) 341-1709.
Hill explained the importance of being prepared incase of an emergency during a phone interview with the Elizabethton Star and noted the classes will be taught by Carter County Constable Ken Potter. Potter has 38 years of law enforcement experience and will be a key asset for the program, according to Hill.
“He’s such a tremendous help and is a wealth of knowledge,” Hill said. “He’s very knowledgeable in law enforcement, the safety of handguns and will be the best instructor for people looking to take part in the classes.”
Potter, who has been a permit instructor since 1997, said the ability the have the classes will showcase the different variables individuals will face when carrying a handgun, ranging from how to use deadly force – if needed, when or when not to shoot, and how to speak to an officer when possessing a handgun in a vehicle. The classes will also last eight hours.
“Things are changing,” Potter added. “Not only in our county, because across the country. We want to offer these classes as a way to make sure our officeholders have the ability to be safe and have the proper knowledge while using a handgun for protection.”
Making sure individuals are safe is a top concern, Hill said, and that reason spearheaded the idea of him sponsoring the classes.
“I sat back and thought about what precautions we could take so that would could prevent an incident like that happening locally,” he said. “Mr. Potter is a valuable instructor. People who take the class will be able to learn all kinds of different information and even work with an active shooter module.”
While there’s a break in action in Nashville, Hill added he’s excited about what’s ahead for the next session and is eager to continue hearing from the constituents in Northeast Tennessee.
Individuals looking to contact Hill can do so by calling his office at 1-800-446-8366 Ext. 44202.