TCSO class to teach kids self-defense

By Laura Johnson | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Tallapoosa County children and their parents will soon have the opportunity to take a unique self-defense class.

The class, which is being offered by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, is titled R.A.D. for Kids. It pairs children with their parents in a classroom setting where they learn self-defense strategy and techniques from trained instructors.

“It teaches the children self-defense, but it also teaches them how to set up plans and scenarios with their family,” Lt. Bill Hough with the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office said. “It also increases the bond because we encourage parent involvement.”

This is one of several public safety classes the department offers on a regular basis. In the recent past, the sheriff’s department has also offered a women’s R.A.D. self-defense class and a firearms safety class.

“The public has asked for this class. We have offered it numerous times in the past and it has been received very well,” Hough said.

In addition to hands-on self-defense techniques, the children will learn about other safety topics, including resisting stranger interaction, Internet safety, gun safety, fire safety, bullying, using 9-1-1 properly and bicycle safety.

“One of the (important) things is making the kids aware of the things that could happen to them while they are out,” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “It’s real important to us that we are able to be proactive with the children and their parents.”

The five-part class will be held at the United Way Building in Alexander City between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and will begin on July 14. The class is open to children ages 5-12 and costs $25.

For more information, or to register for the class, contact Lt. Bill Hough at 825-1034. Space is limited to 25 participants.

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