Stolen Shotgun or Illegal Police Confiscation?

Home Hero Fire Blanket How Does it Work? Is it Right for Your Home? Presented by Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- (Trained but not current: Firefighter-Hazmat Team Member) Says FFL, Firearm's instructor Gregg Kielma, "fire arm and fire safety at the home is paramount to your protection. Is the bad guy armed or is there a fire inside your home? If you have a break-in from a perpetrator or fire, can you combat it until LEO or firefighters arrive? Will you be a home invasion victim? Will your home burn down? What can you do to buy yourself time safely? Today let's take a look at fire prevention safety.... 1. Stop Fire In Its Tracks There are over 358,000 house fires in the USA every year. Almost all of them start small and are controllable. You can use a Prepared Hero's Fire Blanket to safely eliminate fire. Pull the tabs to release the blanket and toss it over any small fire to instantly suffocate it. 2. Anyone Can Use It It’s lightweight and built for ease of use. From grandparents to kids, the Prepared Hero Fire Blanket works great. Heavy and complex equipment is a thing of the past! 3. No Messy Cleanup Standard fire extinguishers typically leave you with a powdery mess to clean up after. 4. Works On Most Types of Fire Most fires small enough for the blanket to cover around can be eliminated. This includes wood, paper, grease and even electrical fires. Especially once the heat or fuel source has been turned off. 5. Never Expires As long as the blanket is in good condition, it will not expire. There is no costly maintenance or recharging. And it’s often times reusable! If it’s not damaged after using, simply wipe it off and fold it back into the pouch. And remember to keep the quick deploy tabs hanging out! 6.Hero Blanket and Fire Fighters Love Us Prepared Hero Fire Blanket has over 1,500,000 happy customers with an average review of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many Fire Departments and Fire Fighters approve of Prepared Hero Fire Blankets. See what some people are saying: • Peace of Mind. • Quick and Easy to Use. • Light weight. • Affordable • Can be used conjunction with a fire extinguisher. Why is it so vital to own this fire safety device? Stop a small fire that may become big, quickly. Shouldn't I just wait for the Fire Department to arrive? If your comfortable saving your property or need training the FD or myself is willing to train you how. Statistics show that the average Fire Department response time is at least 5-10 minutes away. Within 3 minutes of a fire in modern day homes, the entire room will already be up in flames. Within the first 60 seconds of a house fire, smoke is so intense and filled with toxicity from plastics that two breaths can cause you to pass out. Eliminating fire while it's still small is essential in preventing disaster. The Prepared Hero Fire Blanket was designed exactly for this type of emergency. It's an affordable and simple way to prevent this life-threatening event from ever occurring. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- (Trained but not current: Firefighter-Hazmat Team Member)

Don’t Be That Person at the Range: 11 Essential Gun Safety & Etiquette Tips Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first timer, the shooting range is a space where safety and respect take precedence over everything else. It’s a place to hone your skills, test equipment, and enjoy camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts. However, a single misstep—whether due to carelessness or lack of knowledge—can endanger lives and ruin the experience for everyone. That’s why understanding and adhering to gun safety rules and range etiquette is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical safety, and etiquette tips every shooter must know to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the range. Says Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma, Range Etiquette Matters Adhering to gun safety rules and range etiquette isn’t just about avoiding accidents, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and secure. Whether it’s respecting the firing line, following commands, or cleaning up after yourself, every action contributes to the collective experience. A little courtesy goes a long way in ensuring that the range remains a place where all skill levels are welcome. Kielma continues, let’s take a look at using a firearm at your favorite range: If you don’t know or understand, ASK! 1. Always Keep Your Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction The cardinal rule of gun safety is to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. At the range, this means always pointing the firearm downrange, even when unloading, cleaning, or setting it down. Outside the range, common sense and situational awareness dictate what constitutes a safe direction. For example, if you’re not on the firing line, keeping the muzzle pointed toward the ground is typically best. This habit ensures that even in the event of an accidental discharge, no one will be harmed. 2. Treat Every Firearm as if It’s Loaded Even if you’ve checked and double-checked that your firearm is unloaded, always treat it as though it’s live. This mindset fosters a culture of caution and minimizes complacency. When you pick up a firearm, inspect the chamber, magazine, and action to ensure they’re clear. This rule may seem overly cautious, but it prevents situations where assumptions lead to tragic accidents. 3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You’re Ready to Shoot A golden rule of firearm handling is to avoid placing your finger on the trigger until your sights are aligned, your target is identified, and you’re ready to fire. This precaution prevents premature or accidental discharges, which can occur even with a light brush of the trigger. Train yourself to rest your finger outside the trigger guard, alongside the frame of the firearm, as a default position. Developing this habit takes practice but is one of the most effective ways to maintain safety. 4. Follow the Range Officer’s Commands Without Hesitation Range officers are there to keep everyone safe and maintain order, and their instructions are non-negotiable. Commands like “cease fire” or “unload” must be followed immediately and without question. If you’re unsure about what a command means, ask before shooting begins. These instructions are designed to prevent accidents and ensure that all shooters and bystanders remain safe during a range of activities. 5. Use Eye and Ear Protection Always Protecting your vision and hearing is non-negotiable when handling firearms. The sound of gunfire can cause irreversible hearing damage, while ricochets or debris from fired rounds can injure your eyes. High-quality ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, and ANSI-rated safety glasses are essential for every shooter, regardless of their experience level. For children, doubling up with both earplugs and earmuffs is recommended for maximum protection. 6. Unload Firearms When Not In Use A firearm should only be loaded when you’re actively shooting at the range. When entering or exiting the facility, walking to your shooting station, or handling your firearm in non-firing areas, it must be unloaded. The action should remain open, and detachable magazines must be removed. Always visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm they’re clear before setting down or transporting the firearm. 7. Understand and Respect Firing Line Rules The firing line is a designated area where strict safety protocols are enforced. Only handle your firearm at the line when the range is declared “hot” and shooting is allowed. Never touch or load your firearm when someone is downrange, as this creates a significant safety hazard. Wait for the range officer to give the all-clear before resuming any activity at the line. 8. Keep Brass and Ejected Cases Under Control Semi-automatic firearms eject spent brass, which can create a nuisance – or even a safety issue – for neighboring shooters. Be mindful of where your brass is landing and adjust your position if necessary. While collecting your brass is generally allowed, only pick up your own casings, and never retrieve brass that has fallen forward of the firing line. 9. Avoid Rapid Firing Unless Permitted (ask the Range Safety Officer If Permitted…RSO) Most shooting ranges require a minimum of two seconds between shots to ensure accuracy and prevent reckless behavior. Rapid firing, while exciting, can lead to poor control and potentially dangerous situations. Following this rule demonstrates respect for range policies and allows you to focus on improving your marksmanship. 10. Stick to Approved Ammunition Not all ammunition is allowed at every range. Types like tracer rounds, armor-piercing bullets, and steel-core ammunition are often prohibited due to their potential to damage equipment or create safety risks. Check the range’s ammunition policies before bringing your own and use only what’s explicitly approved for the facilities. 11. Clean Up Your Station Before You Leave Leaving a clean station isn’t just polite – it’s a safety measure. Dispose of spent brass, trash, and targets in the appropriate receptacles, and ensure the area is tidy for the next shooter. A well-maintained range benefits everyone and helps foster a sense of community among its users. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales

The Face of a Coldblooded Killer: T. White 77-year-old woman was watching TV with her husband when the man she tried to help start over in life rushed into her home and stabbed her to death with a large knife; man arrested Florida – In a shocking turn of events in Florida, a 31-year-old man, identified as T. White, seeking to rebuild his life, was arrested after he brutally murdered the 77-year-old woman, identified as L. Reed, who generously opened her home to him and tried to help him start over in life. According to reports, White fatally stabbed Reed multiple times in the head and body while she was watching TV in the living room with her husband. Reed and her husband, who extended a helping hand by offering White a place to stay on their property to help him start over in life, faced a terrifying betrayal. White, who had been living in a camper on the couple’s property and was granted access to their home, attacked Reed with a large knife in their living room while the couple was watching TV. The attack occurred on January 20th in the peaceful setting of their home. According to the sheriff’s office, White, without any apparent reason, assaulted Reed with a large knife, inflicting multiple fatal stab wounds to her body and head. Sheriff B. Johnson recounted the horrifying incident to the local media outlets, noting the chilling confession White made to the victim’s husband: “I did what you wanted,” followed by the bizarre justification, “God told him to,” when asked why he committed such a brutal act. The local community has been left reeling by the violence. Neighbors expressed their disbelief, noting how harmless White seemed as he walked up and down the road, underscoring a growing mistrust among residents. Following the attack, the victim’s husband took immediate action, wrapping his wife in a blanket and rushing her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The loss of Reed marks a tragic endpoint to what began as a charitable act, turning an intended recovery story into a fatal tragedy. White fled the scene immediately after the stabbing. His apprehension involved a dramatic sequence of events, including two police pursuits across multiple counties. Initially, these pursuits stemmed from a stolen vehicle report and were not immediately linked to the murder. “Somebody pursued him, but they didn’t know it was a murder suspect at the time,” Sheriff Johnson said. It was only after coordination between jurisdictions that the authorities were informed of White’s status as a murder suspect. Finally, after a vehicle crash and foot chase in the woods, law enforcement successfully captured White. He has been arrested at least seven times previously and was out on probation for another violation just two weeks prior to committing the murder. Currently, White remains in custody, awaiting extradition to face charges for Reed’s murder. This case poses difficult questions about the balance between compassion and self-protection, highlighting a devastating scenario where kindness was repaid with lethal violence. As the community mourns Reed and seeks justice for her untimely death, many are left to ponder the implications of opening their doors to those in need, a sentiment that has undoubtedly been shaken by this tragic incident. The legal proceedings for White are awaited with a keen eye by those affected, hoping for closure and justice for a life brutally taken.

Thomaston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Machinegun and Possessing Controlled Substances Friday, January 31, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maine Chandler Breen possessed a firearm augmented with a machinegun conversion device, equipped with a 50-round magazine PORTLAND, Maine: A Thomaston man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to unlawful possessing a machinegun and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute. According to court records, in April 2024, the Thomaston Police Department received a tip that Chandler Breen, 34, was selling drugs behind a local business. A search of Breen’s vehicle revealed a firearm modified with a machinegun conversion device, 9mm ammunition, a large amount of cash, approximately 62 grams of cocaine, approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine, and at least 6 grams of fentanyl. Breen faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on the firearms charge; and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million and a minimum of three years of supervised release on the drug charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Thomaston Police Department. Contact Noah Falk, Assistant United States Attorney (Tel: 207-780-3257) Updated January 31, 2025

Covington Man Guilty of Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms, Silencers, and Machineguns Thursday, January 30, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOE LYNN BEATTIE (“BEATTIE”), age 52, of Covington, Louisiana, pled guilty on January 27, 2025, to a three (3) count indictment. Count One charged him with being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Count Two charged him with possession of silencers that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5841. Finally, Count Three charged him with possession of machineguns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 922(o). According to court records, federal agents learned BEATTIE had received unlawfully imported firearm parts from China. Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and officers from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, then executed a search warrant at his residence. The search yielded five (5) firearms, ammunition, sixteen (16) silencers, and five (5) machinegun conversion devices, that turn firearms into fully automatic weapons. If convicted, BEATTIE faces a maximum penalty of fifteen (15) years imprisonment for Count One, and up to ten (10) years of imprisonment for both Counts Two and Three. He also faces up to three (3) years of supervised release following imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all counts. As for Counts One and Three, he faces a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a $10,000 fine for Count Two. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. Contact Shane M. Jones Public Information Officer United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana United States Department of Justice Updated January 30, 2025

Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Possession and Transfer of A Destructive Device Wednesday, January 29, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Shane Allen Gibson (45, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to possession of a destructive device and transfer of a destructive device to a convicted felon. Gibson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the possession charge and up to 15 years in federal prison for the transfer charge. The sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on April 20, 2023, Gibson possessed and transferred an improvised explosive bomb, a destructive device under federal law, to an individual who he knew to be a convicted felon. The destructive device was one of three homemade explosive devices given by Gibson to the convicted felon. Laboratory testing revealed that the device contained explosive powder and numerous screws and fasteners within an aerial shell and pyrotechnic fuse. An examiner from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that igniting the fuse would, after a short delay, cause blast, thermal, and fragmentation effects capable of causing damage, injury, and death to persons nearby. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry. Updated January 30, 2025

Parrish Florida Man Arrested For Trafficking Firearms To Convicted Felon Wednesday, January 29, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Frank Jude Petrone, Sr. (55, Parrish ) with trafficking firearms to a convicted felon. If convicted, Petrone faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. According to the complaint, on October 2, 2024, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Petrone was selling firearms to an individual he knew to be a convicted felon. Petrone sells firearms for a licensed gun dealer. On three separate occasions between October 2024 and January 2025, Petrone sold the convicted felon, acting as a confidential source, three firearms and 117 rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits selling firearms to a convicted felon and a convicted felon cannot pass the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. On the evening of October 17, 2024, Petrone sold a .357 Taurus International 605 Poly Protector revolver and 10 rounds of .357 ammunition to the confidential source. On November 8, 2024, Petrone sold a 9mm Sig Sauer M18 semi-automatic pistol to the confidential source. And on January 2, 2025, Petrone sold a .45 ISAS 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol to the confidential source. During that transaction, Petrone also offered to sell a machinegun with an obliterated serial number. A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Updated January 29, 2025 Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales

Tactical K Training and Firearms Fitness and Firearms Coming April/May 2025 Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales My thoughts, Gregg Kielma firearms instructor, your training must be as realistic as possible. You want skills that will translate to real life situations. I've seen seasoned professionals that I think will have someone's back when things go bad and succumb under the pressure. Conversely, I've seen men and women that I thought would succumb under pressure, rise to the occasion and pull through for their families, friends, loved ones and coworkers. This is why we make the training as realistic as possible to see how you are going to perform under stressful situations. We do this in my Fitness and Firearms Class in a couple different ways. This is a 3 Part Training Process Please note: You must take and pass Part 1 to advance to Part 2. You must take and pass Part 2 to Advance to Part 3. All Classes are 8 Hours Depending on Number of Students. Class Size: 10 (minimum class size is 4) Cost $800.00 per Attendee for All 3 Training Modules. Instructor: Gregg Kielma Guest Instructors, LEO and Attorneys TBA Part 1 - 8 hours depending on class size Part 2- 8 hours Firearms and Marksmanship Part 3- 8-10 hours Firearm Maintenance, First Aid, Laws and Fitness Lunch and Water Provided May 2025 Part 1 Force-on-Force - During the onsite training we run through multiple scenarios where you might have to draw your weapon and engage, or you might need to talk your way out of the situation. All this tests you on how you are going to react when someone approaches you on the street, work, alleyway or your home. Part 2 TBA Marksmanship: Shooting form different positions: vehicles, ground, sitting, standing. Reloading techniques during a violent encounter, barriers, how to use them, and engaging a threat for the best outcome. You must pass this in order to advance to Part3. Part 3 TBA First Aid, Firearm Maintenance, Laws and Fitness: Firearm cleaning techniques to keep your firearm in tip top shape. Field stripping and cleaning how to. (Glock 19 as the demo firearm). What you can do to stay fit and in shape to keep your skill set in top performance. First Aid. What your responsibility? What do you do? Open round table on training process. The final part of the training will be hands on. We will push your stress levels and see how well your training kicks in. You will have to remain calm and think your way through problems as chaos is going on around you. We'll then discuss Please, make your training as realistic as possible or seek out training that will push you out of your comfort zone. Gregg Kielma

I Carry a Firearm Every Day. How do I carry it? Let’s Take A Look… Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales I do carry every day. I am however not permitted to carry a firearm at work, Policy. So, I don’t. All other places and when I travel, I carry all the time. I am frequently asked whether I carry a round in the chamber. The straightforward answer is that I do carry a chambered round and a full magazine of 16, along with one or two backup magazines at all times. Safety? I carry a Glock 19, need I say more? My opinion best firearms made. More on that at another time. Why do I carry it this way? It can be safe if you understand what you are doing and consistently practice safety measures. Remember, to only put your finger on the trigger when you are ready to destroy something or someone. Never touch the trigger unless you have your gun on target. Just because you unholstered and pointed your firearm doesn’t mean you have to pull the trigger. Be the “reasonable person”. Your actions and what may have led up to this encounter will he highly scrutinized by a lot of people. Think and always have a plan. Please also consider this, a person who is 15 feet away can charge and hit you with a knife in about the time it takes for a person to draw their gun. 15 feet isn't far. If you must draw and then chamber a round there is no chance of stopping someone from charging you at that short distance. Always remember time and distance. When you buy yourself distance, you buy time. Always be in code yellow. Why do I carry daily? I have a lot of reasons that I talk about in my CCW classes I teach. As I said before, it is better to have and not need it, than to need it and not have. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales