A Maysville church is opening its doors Sunday to anyone interested in learning what to do in a threat of violence situation.
Georgia Firearms and Security Training Academy is hosting the event at Pleasant Acre Church in Maysville.
"We have a couple different programs - this one is awareness training. It's a three hour block, open to the public, security team members of the church as well as staff," said GAFASTA CEO Rodney Smith. "We come in and do situation awareness, active threat and less-than-lethal defense." Less-than-lethal Smith described as things like tasers, stun guns and OC sprays.
"Situation awareness affects everybody," said Smith. "That is really the number one tool right there."
Smith said GAFASTA also offer a more exclusive course for those who work behind the scenes of the church.
"Sixteen-hour church security team training, which is eight hours classroom, eight hours on the range. That is exclusive for church security team members," Smith said.
Smith said he founded the academy after the South Carolina church massacre in 2015.
"We need to give individuals in the church environment [the opportunity] to be able to recognize, prevent and protect themselves from bodily harm or death. There's just way too many situations out there happening in churches and schools, so we need to be prepared to give these people the opportunity to be able to protect themselves."
Smith said they also offer one-on-one and group courses at their Elk Ridge Court facility in Flowery Branch.
Sunday's event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pleasant Acres Church is located at 129 Hale Road in Maysville.
