Tarrant County educators packed into a handgun class hosted by the Dalworthington Gardens Police Department and The Chris Kyle Foundation.
The class, held in the Kennedale High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, was designed to help educators who wanted to complete their concealed handgun license course.
"We want that feeling of safe -- we want them to have options out at their home, out in the public," Dalworthington Gardens Police Chief Bill Waybourn said.
Chief Waybourn was collaborating with Chris Kyle to instruct teachers in self-defense through a partnership between the department and the Chris Kyle Foundation.
That plan was tragically put on hold when Kyle was killed in February. Saturday would have been Kyle's first class.
Educators from across Tarrant County turned out today to complete their course.
Kindergarten teacher Darnesha Young said the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary prompted her to attend the class.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"I consider my students my babies,” Young said. “The first thing I thought was, 'that could have been me,' so that's why I'm really here today."
Jeanne Curtis, the principal at Arlington’s Miller Elementary School, has had her concealed handgun license for 13 years and sees having other CHL educators in a school as another layer of security.
“Parents would feel safer that, ‘alright the administrator in charge, not only does she love my kids, but she is going to give her life for them -- if it's necessary for them,’” Curtis said. “And shouldn't I, if I’m willing to give up my life for my children at school, be able to defend it first?"
During Saturday's class, Chris Kyle's widow, Taya, and his brother, Jeff, spoke to the class in honor of the fallen Army sniper.
