In wake of violence, local schools helping students protect themselves

By F.T. Norton

Appeal Staff Writer

In light of the Brianna Denison murder in Reno, and school shootings across the country, Western Nevada College is offering a free "Personal Safety Workshop" on Wednesday, Student Outreach Specialist J.W. Lazzari said.

Lazzari said the program, which is open to the public, is designed to give people an idea of what resources are available on campus and how to protect themselves, whether they be walking alone across a dark parking lot or they get caught on campus at the same time as an intruder.

Lazzari said the seminar will be good for those interesting in learning more about personal safety and self-defense.

Criminal Justice Professor and Self-Defense coach Richard Finn will be among the speakers and will make a presentation on self-defense, and campus public safety Director Jack Piirainen will also be speaking.

"I think that this is completely necessary and I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner," said construction-management student Matt Fry. "The more education we get out there, the better. A lot of people are oblivious to these types of things; they take their personal safety for granted."

Marketing Director Anne Hansen said the program is Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Sarah Winnemucca Hall.

About 3,500 students attend the Carson City campus, with the college's remaining 1,800 students split between Douglas and Fallon campuses.

In Douglas County, the Sheriff's Office is offering self-defense classes this week for female students during their physical education classes at Douglas High School.

Deputy Kevin Schaller, a certified defensive tactics instructor for the Sheriff's Office and the Nevada Police Officers Standards and Training Academy, holds a 5th degree black belt in Kempo Karate. He has more than 25 years of martial arts training and experience.

The class was proposed following the kidnap, sexual assault and murder of 19-year-old Denison, said Sgt. Jim Halsey.

Nearly 400 sophomores, juniors and seniors are expected to participate.

A class also is to be offered after school Wednesday for girls who are not enrolled in physical education.

• F.T. Norton can be reached at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com.