Press Club of Toledo to host forum on firearms

TOLEDO, OH. -- Gun control and mass shootings are much in the news these days and the Press Club of Toledo has put together a session to educate the news media on the topics.

Pressing Issues, a regular program of the Press Club, will feature a panel comprised of a weapons expert, lawman, school administrator, concealed-carry instructor, and a seasoned news manager to discuss the topic from various angles.

The session will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, June 28 in the Huntington Room of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library at 325 Michigan St.

"We felt this is a topic that needs deep examination from a number of angles because of the complexity of the issue and some unfamiliarity, on the part of the media in general, of weapons and nuances of laws relating to them," said Shaun Hegarty, Press Club president.

"Hopefully, this will clear the air on a number of issues and lead to even more accurate reporting on the topic," added Mr. Hegarty, who is an Investigative Reporter at 13ABC.

On the panel are Jim Barnes, store manager of Gander Mountain in Holland, who will describe various firearms systems and terminology; Mark Abramson, an attorney with Robison, Curphey & O'Connell and a certified concealed carry instructor, will discuss legal requirements for carrying a firearm; Toledo Police Sgt. Joe Heffernan, who will talk about how law enforcement works with the media in reporting about weapons and crime; Romules Durant, Toledo Public Schools assistant superintendent, who will offer an educator's perspective on safe schools, and C.J. Hoyt, news director of WTOL, who will discuss common newsgathering mistakes and ethical decision-making.

The event is open to the public. Admission is $10 for Press Club members and students and $20 for non-members. Reservations may be made via email to [email protected].