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Training session gives women an introduction to firearms
Monday, October 17, 2005
By JESSICA SEDA
Herald Staff Writer
FRANKLIN — Learning how to shoot a pistol was just another step for Jill Herman in her quest to break into the criminal justice field.
Herman, of Newton, was one of about 20 women who took part in the Franklin Rifle and Revolver Association's firearm training session Sunday. The training is offered twice a year for women interested in learning more about guns and the sport.
Herman, who graduated from Centenary College in 2001, said she wants to pursue anything related to criminal justice and is taking tests to become a police officer.
"I had interned at the Roxbury Police Department but, other than that, had never shot a gun," she said.
She was joined at the training session by her mother, Linda Syfor.
"My husband hunts but I've always been nervous around guns," Syfor said. "I didn't know anything about them, but now I feel a little more comfortable."
By midday, Syfor, who had never picked up a gun, hit her target every time during one of the 10-round sessions. Participants shot 50 rounds in about two hours.
Women of all ages and backgrounds attended Sunday's session for different reasons.
Melissa Vance of Branchville also brought along her mother and said she enjoyed target shooting with shotguns but had never shot a pistol. Mary Boutsikaris, a fourth-grade teacher from Andover, said hunting is brought up in her classroom a lot and the training session would help her understand it better. Karen Conrad of Franklin liked the session so much she was thinking about joining the association.
"I wanted to learn in case I ever need to defend myself, but I also like the sporting aspect of it," Conrad said. "It's something I can do; I'm definitely coming back."
The training sessions are held each fall and spring to generate information on the sport. Each group is given a safety lesson before shooting and is assigned a coach to help them throughout the day.
"The sport does not have a good reputation," John Heller, president of the association said. "But it is a highly competitive and respected sport by those who understand it."
http://www.njherald.com/332692677373243.php
Monday, October 17, 2005
By JESSICA SEDA
Herald Staff Writer
FRANKLIN — Learning how to shoot a pistol was just another step for Jill Herman in her quest to break into the criminal justice field.
Herman, of Newton, was one of about 20 women who took part in the Franklin Rifle and Revolver Association's firearm training session Sunday. The training is offered twice a year for women interested in learning more about guns and the sport.
Herman, who graduated from Centenary College in 2001, said she wants to pursue anything related to criminal justice and is taking tests to become a police officer.
"I had interned at the Roxbury Police Department but, other than that, had never shot a gun," she said.
She was joined at the training session by her mother, Linda Syfor.
"My husband hunts but I've always been nervous around guns," Syfor said. "I didn't know anything about them, but now I feel a little more comfortable."
By midday, Syfor, who had never picked up a gun, hit her target every time during one of the 10-round sessions. Participants shot 50 rounds in about two hours.
Women of all ages and backgrounds attended Sunday's session for different reasons.
Melissa Vance of Branchville also brought along her mother and said she enjoyed target shooting with shotguns but had never shot a pistol. Mary Boutsikaris, a fourth-grade teacher from Andover, said hunting is brought up in her classroom a lot and the training session would help her understand it better. Karen Conrad of Franklin liked the session so much she was thinking about joining the association.
"I wanted to learn in case I ever need to defend myself, but I also like the sporting aspect of it," Conrad said. "It's something I can do; I'm definitely coming back."
The training sessions are held each fall and spring to generate information on the sport. Each group is given a safety lesson before shooting and is assigned a coach to help them throughout the day.
"The sport does not have a good reputation," John Heller, president of the association said. "But it is a highly competitive and respected sport by those who understand it."
http://www.njherald.com/332692677373243.php
