PVVFD hosts youth firearms safety training focused on responsibility and preparedness

The Pahranagat Valley Volunteer Fire District continues to invest in the safety and preparedness of the community by offering a wide range of educational classes designed to benefit residents of all ages. Over the years, these classes have included everything from community emergency preparedness and first aid to CPR, sanitation during crises, youth firearm safety and even hand-to-hand self-defense courses for mothers and daughters. Some classes are offered free of charge, while others require a small fee, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of participants.

In addition to hosting its own trainings, the district’s ambulance barn training center has served as a valuable space for other organizations, including the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and G-Force, which provides concealed-carry weapons permit classes.

Most recently, Fire Chief Derek Bowman led a firearms safety course for a local young men’s group from the Crystal Springs Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The request came directly from the youth, who were aware of Bowman’s experience teaching similar courses in the past.

The class focused specifically on handgun safety and fundamentals. Students learned proper stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, follow-through and recoil management. Training began in a classroom setting before progressing to hands-on practice using SIRT laser training pistols provided by G-Force. These tools allowed participants to safely practice techniques without live ammunition, offering immediate visual feedback through a laser system that shows exactly where a shot would land.

“The ability to see results instantly helps reinforce proper technique,” Bowman explained. “Without the noise and recoil of a live firearm, students can focus on building correct habits from the start.”

The training was conducted over two sessions spaced about two weeks apart. The first session emphasized safety and foundational skills without the use of live firearms. Once participants demonstrated a strong understanding of safety protocols, a supervised range day was scheduled for April 22.

Safety remained the top priority during live-fire exercises. Youth participants were paired in a “shooter and buddy” system, where one individual fired while the other acted as a safety observer, ensuring proper handling and adherence to rules. Participants then rotated roles. Adult leaders maintained a close supervision ratio, and Bowman served as the chief range safety officer, overseeing all activity.

Bowman emphasized that his motivation for teaching goes beyond technical skills. “My life mission is to build capable citizens and resilient communities that can prevent, withstand and respond to crisis without dependence,” he said. With experience spanning emergency response, search and rescue and the security industry, Bowman regularly works at the intersection of preparedness and community development.

Firearms and community safety classes are offered periodically based on local interest and need, with concealed-carry courses typically held six to 12 times per year.

Through continued outreach and training opportunities, the Pahranagat Valley Volunteer Fire District remains committed to strengthening the knowledge, safety and resilience of the rural communities it serves.