Buckeye Reporter

A new training class focused on security for houses of worship will take place on November 1, 2025, at Cornerstone Community Church in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. The event is designed to help churches and organizations prepare their security teams to respond to active killing events.

The course aims to introduce participants to identifying security needs and establishing organizational and team training standards. It will cover the history of active killing incidents, discuss recent tragedies, and include instruction in medical response, tactics, and scenarios involving active killers.

Attendees will use SIRT pistols—replicas that mimic the feel and function of real firearms but use lasers instead of live ammunition—to practice hands-on response tactics in a safe environment. "These are realistic replicas of commonly used carry guns, providing the same feel, weight, and trigger characteristics of the real things. They include lasers to show where shots in real life would land," according to organizers.

While there will be no live fire during the session, the provided SIRT pistols are intended to offer realistic training for effective responses within congregation settings.

Participants who complete the class will receive training certificates. The event costs $90 per person and is limited to 80 spots.

"Become a member of Buckeye Firearms Association and support our grassroots efforts to defend and advance YOUR RIGHTS!" states the announcement from Buckeye Firearms Association.

The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with more information available through the association’s website.