With the number of people legally carrying handguns on the rise, the importance of safe, responsible ownership was apparent to a Jim Thorpe man.

While laid up with a broken kneecap a few years ago, Jeff Thomas came upon a class for concealed carrying and handgun safety offered by the United States Concealed Carry Association. After taking the initial course, Thomas decided to take it a step further, becoming a USCCA certified instructor.

Thomas, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran, started Smart Conceal Carry LLC, and began offering classes.

“I’ve always had a passion for firearms. Honing my skills in the Army to the point that I was a member of our competition shooting team. I wanted to become a certified instructor to properly train and share the knowledge of handgun responsibilities,” Thomas said.

With the classroom training and range time, the in-depth classes take most of the day. Broken up into segments with interactive graphics and videos, the class includes information on safety, situational awareness and avoidance before even discussing weapons.

The class gets a little scientific when discussing how your brain works with your body in a crisis scenario. Thomas explained that while training at the range is important, it will not fully prepare you for what will happen in a real situation when adrenaline and endorphins start pumping.

Alice Bernhard, who has owned handguns for around five years, took the class at the Andreas Sporting Club recently.

“I took the class to learn how to be safer when carrying, learn more about guns in general and to learn the proper way to hold the gun, stand and shoot,” Bernhard said. “It was very informative and I learned a lot. I’d recommend it to anyone who owns a firearm.”

Each student leaves the course with a 245-page book, “Concealed Carry and Home Defense,” published by the USCCA.

“I want to teach responsible gun owners the intricacy of carrying concealed and the huge responsibility in doing so, especially in today’s society. From the avoidance option to the ramifications of defending yourself or your fellow Americans that are in harm’s way. It’s a right to protect ourselves, and I want to instruct people the correct way,” Thomas said. “That’s why I started my business. Smart Conceal Carry.”

For more information on upcoming classes, search Smart Conceal Carry LLC on Facebook or email thomas7798@yahoo.com.