State Rep. Allen Skillicorn, R-Crystal Lake, offered free conceal and carry training for constituents of the 66th District this month in which 17 participants received their certificates.

Gary Daugherty of the Firearm Safety Institute conducted the training.

“I really appreciated [Skillicorn] having the courage to offer this kind of class at no cost to his constituents,” Daugherty said. “It tangibly demonstrates his commitment to the Second Amendment in a way I haven’t seen from other representatives in Illinois.”

Training was conducted over two Saturdays with the range qualifications taking place at Fox Valley Shooting Range at 780 S. McLean Blvd, Elgin.

The owners, Mark and Kitty Glavin, along with their son, Brant, offered the use of their range before its official opening July 30.

“I appreciated the Glavins allowing us to break in the brand-new lanes at their amazing facility in Elgin,” Skillicorn said. “I wish them much success in the opening of their new business in Illinois when so many have been forced to leave the state due to burdensome regulations and taxation, especially a firearm business with the kind of hostility demonstrated toward it by the majority Democrats who control the General Assembly.”

“Thank you, Allen, for allowing me to participate in the NRA Concealed Carry Class,” said Jenna Middleton of Lake in the Hills. “As a mother of two young girls, I thought of how important it would be to learn the basics of firearm safety, especially in the type of world we are living in.

“The amount of knowledge I learned in these classes was indescribable. The fact that I’m exercising my Second Amendment rights as an American and that I’m protecting my family makes this a win-win situation. The information I learned regarding firearm laws and safety will graciously be passed down to my children and generations to come. Thank you for your continued efforts in defending our rights as gun owners. We appreciate you standing with us.”

“Thank you again for this amazing opportunity,” said Rick Cox of Crystal Lake. “The training was very good and I’m glad that safety was stressed so much. I look forward to obtaining my CCW and improving my ability to defend my family, myself and my community.”

“Allen, I would like to thank you for this opportunity,” said Robert Brugh of Lake in the Hills. “It was a truly great experience with wonderful people. It opened my eyes as to my rights and responsibilities as a citizen and a neighbor. I hope this is just the beginning of programs like this.”

“The enthusiasm demonstrated by theses constituents was inspiring,” Skillicorn said. “I hope that this is just the first of many classes I am able to offer, as the more well-trained and well-armed the citizen, the safer our nation.”