The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the St. Landry Crime Stoppers, the Eunice Black Belt Academy, and Harmony Lodge #410 hosted a free women’s self-defense and firearms safety class on May 5. The class was held at the Eunice Black Belt Academy and was a hands-on course, having the participants practice techniques on bags and finally tested on the techniques learned by fighting a “padded up” aggressor.

The aggressor put the women though real-life scenarios, having them fight their way out of attacks. Thirty women from across St. Landry Parish were in attendance. Registration had to be closed at 30 participants due to overwhelming response, more classes are being scheduled.

After the self-defense course, the participants were provided a free lunch donated by Harmony Lodge #410, then began the firearms safety and use of force course.

After the classroom portion, the women were brought to the range for live firing of their weapon. The firearms course was taught by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s firearms instructors.

The instructors answered questions and familiarized the women with their firearms. The course ended with the women shooting live rounds at the firing range. To date, the sheriff’s office has trained over 2,400 women in self defense free of charge. Sheriff Guidroz was pleased to see such an overwhelming response to the safety class and has pledged to always offer free classes to insure the safety of women.