Sheriff offering training for church security staffs

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s training instructors who teach the concealed carry classes will also instruct the 8-hour tactical course for church security.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said, “We have on staff certified POST firearms instructors who are also state concealed instructors and are certified in law enforcement and civilian active shooter training, medical aid, defensive tactics, and many more certifications needed to safely and lawfully carry a concealed weapon inside a church.”
The classes will cover the role of security both armed and unarmed, legal requirements/responsibilities, defensive tactics, medical aid, law enforcement interaction, threat assessments, tactical firearms (live fire), and scenario-based training inside church
​​Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux, who is in charge of all departmental training, said, “not all problems faced in church are with armed intruders; some involve domestic violence, theft, and drug or alcohol walk-ins off the street. The training will also include training for support staff such as ushers, greeters, parking lot details, and nursery workers on how to properly handle situations that might arise.”
The training staff has been doing threat assessments at local churches, helping to put together a medical/tactical bag, and helping the pastors create a plan of action for their congregation for not only armed gunmen but natural disasters.
Certificates will be issued upon the completion of the course with a copy also being filed at the sheriff’s office. Participants will need the following items for the course: A valid Louisiana Concealed Course Permit card, a Louisiana ID, eye and ear protection, handgun, handgun holster (preferably the holster you are going to carry), and 50 rounds of ammunition.
This class will be a one day class and will be conducted in Eunice for the medical, defensive tactics, and live fire portions. For the scenario-based training, the participants will then travel to the church they attend to complete the course.
Thibodeaux added, “Each church is set up differently and the best way to train is in the place you will carry in.” The main goal of the training is to have the congregation attend church and worship while being secure in the church.
The cost will be in line with other tactical courses around the state at a fee of $100 per person for concealed carry tactical training and $50 per person for support staff such as ushers and other support staff. The support staff will attend the entire course except the live fire portion at the range; they may attend but will not be allowed to shoot. After the cost of the classes are paid (insurance, food, etc) the rest of the money will go to local charities as in the past.
The sheriff’s instructors, in conjunction with Harmony Lodge in Eunice, and local churches have donated 100 percent of the profit to local missions and local charities throughout Acadiana.
The group which is 501C holds monthly concealed classes throughout the year.
Anyone with questions and to sign up is urged to call the St. Landry Parish Training Center at 337-948-7599. The next class is set for May 19 in Eunice and will start at 8 am. All participants are to meet at Harmony Lodge located at 211 W. Park Ave., Eunice.