Local trainer offers free handgun course to school employees

Following last month’s mass shooting in Uvalde, Bandera’s Four Winds Firearms Training is offering local school employees defensive handgun training to school staff through the end of August.

May 24’s Robb Elementary School shooting resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two adults. As of this article’s publication, it is the third-deadliest shooting in the United States and the deadliest in Texas.

“It is my belief that if enough school staff received proper training, kept up with their training and were allowed to carry, we would have a better chance at protecting students and teachers,” said Donna-Michelle Werner, who is a Rangemaster-Certified Advanced Instructor.

Werner founded Four Winds Firearms Training April 2021 after becoming a Rangemaster-Certified Instructor. She is also an NRA Certified Basic Handgun Instructor, an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, and an International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) Safety Officer.

In April 2022, she became a Rangemaster-Certified Advanced Instructor. She currently competes in IDPA matches and offers private lessons for defensive handgun practices.

Werner says she can help a person develop a strong foundation in defensive handgun skills.

“While we have the right to carry, we have the responsibility to train,” said Werner. “I can help our school employees achieve that by offering free coaching.”

In order to receive free training, interested parties must show Werner proof of employment and contact her at 830-377-1805 or FourWindsFT@gmail.com.

“While I can't provide training in all the necessary areas, I can do my part to assist in this effort,” she said.

Werner works with Tim Reedy and Patrick Flores, also certified through Rangemaster, in offering Intro to Handgun and Holster Basics classes.