Faith & Joy Ferkel making headlines as Ohio concealed handgun license instructors

Mother & daughter team Joy & Faith Ferkel are making headlines in Ohio and across the nation as concealed handgun license (CHL) instructors.

The Fremont News-Messenger recently featured photos of the pair, decked out in Second Amendment Sisters t-shirts, explaining pistol mechanics and proper loading techniques to students during one of their women's-only training sessions for the concealed and carry law in Ohio.

The two will be also featured in the November/December issue of Women & Guns magazine.

Meanwhile in Tiffin, OH, the local newspaper is reporting that women are "staying aware" as investigations continue into recent attacks by one or more violent sexual predators. In the same issue, the paper is featuring a local CHL instructor who reports he's seen an increase in the number of female students.

From the Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune:

An instructor for concealed carry courses says he wouldn't drive on a highway without a full spare tire, wouldn't drive a car without gas and wouldn't go without locking his house. Also, he would pack medication when going on a trip.

"All of these precautions we take on a daily basis. My gun is just an additional precaution," said Chris Harben, a Tiffin resident.

The article goes on to detail Harben's class, focusing especially on his instruction regarding the laws of self-defense and the use of deadly force, as Ohio's Castle Doctrine bill takes effect.

Again, from the story:

Harben said by carrying a handgun, he is being prepared in case something happens. He said he never has been in a situation when he has needed it, but he doesn't want to be in situation when he wishes he had a weapon and doesn't.

His primary reason to carry a concealed weapon is his family.

"It is my responsibility to protect them," he said. "It's not just a nostalgic sentiment. The fact is the police cannot be everywhere. ... It's really every person's responsibility to provide for their own safety."

UPDATE:
Second Amendment Sisters invites area ladies to a SAS meet-n-greet lunch/Ladies Firearm Education Day Saturday, 10/4/08, at the Four County Conservation Club, 7426 C.R. 219, Bellevue, 44811. Shooting 10-12, lunch at 12, and optional home firearms safety class 12:30-2. $15 includes shooting, lunch, and class. Loaner pistols will be provided for those who need one.

Directions: From U.S. 20 east of Clyde, turn north onto 175 (across from Shell). Go 2.2 miles; turn right at C.R. 288 (red schoolhouse at left) then make immediate left onto C.R. 219. Go 2.8 miles. To register: Faith Ferkel, 419-765-0284 or [email protected]