"Crime is going up all over:" Some women spent Mother's Day taking part in concealed carry training

WEST BEND (WITI) -- On Mother's Day in West Bend, moms who wanted to take part in concealed carry training had the opportunity to do so - for free at the USCCA Concealed Carry Expo at the Washington County Fair Park. Some chose to take part in the two concealed carry training classes held Sunday, May 10th because they're concerned for their safety with all the violence we've seen recently in and around Milwaukee.

When you think of Mother's Day, flowers, cards and time with family likely come to mind. But for one group, this Mother's Day was focused on firearms.

"I think I would feel much safer if I had a weapon and knew how to use it," Sue Beecher said.

More than 50 women took part in concealed carry training classes specifically tailored to women and mothers interested in getting their permit and learning how to handle a firearm.

"In the firearms industry as a whole, there are more and more women getting involved and that's just a real positive across the board," Beth Alcazar, a firearms trainer and blogger said.

Some of that interest may be due to a motherly instinct.

"I think in some cases it's just the real drive to be able to be proactive in their lives and their families -- to be able to do something beyond the just bare hands or whatever I have on me to protect my children," Alcazar said.

It seems we hear of violent crimes pretty much every day -- so is all the violence playing a part in pushing women to pursue the purchase of a firearm?

"Crime is going up all over. I used to feel safe in my neighborhood and maybe not so much anymore," Beecher said.

The women FOX6 News spoke to on Mother's Day said safety was definitely something that influenced them -- but that wasn't the only reason they chose to attend concealed carry training classes Sunday.

"I think I might maybe get a group of girls together and go to the range for my birthday and maybe start target shooting and get into a club or something. I think it's fun," Karla Sprung said.

We're told the concealed carry training course specifically for women, held as part of the USCCA Concealed Carry Expo was full.