Multiple shots were fired and a host of area police agencies were on hand, but no crimes were committed Tuesday on Academy Drive in Andalusia.

What was taking place was a collaborative effort between the Covington County Sheriff’s Departments and police departments from all over the area to help train women to properly handle, transport and fire handguns.

Sheriff Dennis Meeks said the class is just another way local law enforcement tries to give back to the community – in this case by training law-abiding citizens on the proper way to use legally-obtained firearms.

“Anyone (can take the class),” Meeks said Tuesday at the Wilbur Williams Law Enforcement Training Facility’ firing range, where five women were completing the course. “As long as you are of age and are legally able to own a gun.”

Meeks said the class, which is $10 per person, can be completed in one day and consists of an hour to hour-and-a-half classroom session on gun safety, a hands-on demonstration from area law enforcement officials and time on the range actually firing the weapons.

Tuesday’s pupils included Covington County judicial assistants Pam Cottle, Jill Sharpe and Charlotte Brown, as well as court reporters Kathryn Sharpe and Melissa Martin.

Cottle said the lessons are invaluable.

“Everybody needs it,” she said. “Most of us have shot or been around guns, but everybody needs to do this.”

Cottle said she couldn’t have asked for better training and assistance than what was provided by area law enforcement.

“They did an awesome job,” Cottle said.

On hand with Meeks for Tuesday’s class were Interim Andalusia Police Chief Paul Hudson, Red Level Police Chief Howard West, Florala Police Chief Sonny Bedsole, Lockhart Police Chief Ted Motley, River Falls Police Chief Greg Jackson and Drug Task Force agents Mark Odom and Mitch Schofield.

Meeks said the next class will not likely be held until the spring, due to unpredictable winter weather.

Anyone interested in more information, or in taking the class, may contact the DTF at 334.222.3532.