Name: Officer Bill Jursik
Department: Sebastian Police Department
- Over the past 20 years of partnership with Project ChildSafe®, how do you assess the effectiveness of firearm safety efforts?
The Sebastian Police Department’s partnership with Project ChildSafe spans over two decades. During this time, the department has continuously distributed firearm safety locks and educational materials to the community. The results speak for themselves: to date, the community has not experienced an accidental death related to an unsecured firearm. This outcome highlights the undeniable effectiveness of consistent engagement, education and access to safety devices. Programs like Project ChildSafe build trust and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community we serve.
- How does your agency distribute Project ChildSafe locks and materials locally?
The Sebastian Police Department makes sure that free firearm cable-style locks and educational materials are always accessible to the community. These resources are available in the department’s lobby for anyone seeking – No questions asked. Additionally, each year during the National Night Out event, the department features Project ChildSafe materials prominently in the community displays. This event serves as an opportunity to educate families and reinforce the importance of responsible secure storage and safety.
- What impact have free gun locks and safety resources had in your community?
The most significant and measurable impact has been the complete absence of accidental deaths related to unsecured firearms in the community. This achievement reflects the importance of providing free tools and resources to encourage safe firearm practices. Beyond the statistics, programs like Project ChildSafe foster a culture of responsibility and safety, protecting families and reinforcing the trust between law enforcement and residents.
- How can people get more involved in promoting firearm safety nationwide?
The Sebastian Police Department encourages everyone — law enforcement agencies, community organizations and individuals — to actively support programs like Project ChildSafe. Getting involved can be as simple as spreading awareness by sharing information about firearm safety programs in your community or partnering with local agencies to distribute safety materials. Additionally, educating friends, family and neighbors about the importance of responsible firearm storage can have a profound effect on safety nationwide.
- What misconceptions about firearm safety are common, and how does your agency address them?
One common misconception is that accidents only happen to those who are careless. In reality, accidents can occur in any household without proper firearm storage practices. The Sebastian Police Department addresses this by making firearm safety resources easily accessible and emphasizing the importance of consistent, secure storage at every opportunity, such as community events and public announcements.
- What tips do you have for new gun owners regarding safe storage and handling?
For new gun owners, the Sebastian Police Department emphasizes the importance of using a gun lock or safe to prevent unauthorized access. Storing ammunition in a separate, secure location from the firearm is also a key component of safe firearm ownership. Additionally, taking firearm safety courses is highly recommended to ensure proper handling and storage practices. Finally, educating family members who may interact with firearms about safety protocols is another critical step in preventing accidents and ensuring responsible gun ownership.

We encourage everyone — whether you’re a gun owner or community leader — to take action by promoting responsible firearm storage and safety education. Together, we can make a difference.
For more information about Sebastian Police Department’s upcoming safety events, visit the department’s website.
You can review and download Project ChildSafe’s many educational resources through the program’s educational resources.










That duality is precisely what makes these sources so valuable. They offer clear evidence women were not peripheral to firearm history; they were part of its development as consumers, shooters and cultural icons. At the same time, they illustrate how broader societal attitudes shaped the ways in which that participation was presented to the public.