BUTLER COUNTY, OH (FOX19) - Prompted by the deadly Florida mass shooting that left 17 people dead and injured several others, an Ohio sheriff says he's going to offer a concealed carry class for teachers.
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said in a tweet Sunday training will be free.
Interest is so high, 250 teachers signed up in less than 24 hours, he said early Tuesday.
"We have 250 and growing fast. We will start training fast, next week," he said.
The outspoken sheriff said the time has come to arm educators.
I am going to offer free concealed and Carry class free 2 teachers in butler county. Limited number. Details coming soon on line. Also training on school shootings.
— Richard K. Jones (@butlersheriff) February 18, 2018
"I believe that school teachers should be taught how to deal with guns, when guns come to the classroom," he said.
"What guns can do when they come to the classroom, and if the school boards want to give the authority to teachers to be armed. The school boards can do that, they have the authority to do it, but I'm going to do my part, and I assume I'm probably the only one in the state of Ohio that's doing that - but something has to happen."
The class will have a limited number of spots (50) and last about eight hours.
Proof of employment and ID are required before class. Any employee of any school in the county may apply.
Email him to sign up: ccwclass@butlersheriff.org
Jones' proposal drew national attention and he is scheduled to appear at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday on "Fox & Friends" to discuss it.
Last week, the Republican law enforcement veteran posted a video to his agency's Facebook page appealing to President Donald Trump, Gov. John Kasich and the public for change.
Jones also sent letters to both men calling for arming retired police and military veterans to guard schools and to end to fire drills.
Related story: 'It's time to take action' Sheriff asks Trump, Kasich for armed school guards, end of fire drills
The Florida shooter, who was equipped with a gas mask and smoke grenades, set off a fire alarm to draw students out of classrooms shortly before the day ended at one of the state's largest schools, Broward County's sheriff has said.
Jones has said he feels he has the expertise to speak out about school shootings because he and his deputies have first-hand knowledge of them.
They responded to one at Madison Jr/Sr High School on Feb. 29, 2016.
A 15-year-old student fired at classmates in the cafeteria, wounding four.
He threw the weapon down and ran from the school.
The school resource officer apprehended him shortly after.
James Austin Hancock was convicted of attempted murder and bringing a gun into the school. He is serving a sentence that will keep him locked up in a state juvenile detention facility until he turns 21.
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