Free CHL Classes for Staffers in One Texas County

by
posted on August 19, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gsagi2015_fs-1.jpg
Galveston County, Texas, staff members received an unexpected fringe benefit this week, thanks to the generosity of Judge Mark Henry and County Commissioners Ken Clark and Ryan Dennard—the ability to attend a concealed handgun license course free. The announcement went out Monday to every employee of Galveston County, Texas, which encompasses 873 square miles of the Lone Star State, including popular oceanside destination Galveston Island.

“The class was filled within five minutes of sending out the e-mail, and we’re still getting calls,” Judge Henry said. “We plan to host many more classes, and eventually include employees’ spouses as well.”  

Judge Henry said the effort makes Galveston County the first in the country to offer this kind of free instruction to its staff. No county revenue is underwriting the effort, either, because he and Commissioners Clark and Dennard are paying for the class, which takes place Sept. 12 at Clear Creek Gun Range. The course covers responsible gun ownership and teaches participants about concealed carry laws in the Lone Star State—a prerequisite in receiving a concealed handgun license (CHL) in Texas. Whether employees decide to pursue a permit is a personal choice, although the firearm safety and handling knowledge they gain will serve them and the taxpayers they serve well for years to come. undefined

Judge Henry, the county’s top elected official who won his bench seat in 2011, is no stranger to firearms. The retired U.S. Air Force Major is a Federal Firearms License holder, a CHL holder and Life member of the NRA. His stated purpose is to encourage staff members to exercise their Second Amendment rights. That message hasn’t escaped Commissioners Clark and Dennard, who are in the first class to secure their carry permits.

County facilities that house jails or courthouses will remain off limits to concealed carry, although all other buildings—including parks and roads/bridges—could soon have employees with the ability and training to defend themselves, along with the innocent taxpayers they serve every day.

*Photos courtesy of Galveston County

Latest

FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA
FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Trijicon Releases Green-Dot RMR

For the first time, the Trijicon RMR will now be available with a green aiming dot, providing some benefits to shooters with astigmatism and red-green color blindness.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Firearm Industry Companies Consolidate, Others Close Doors In 2025

This year has already seen some big changes in the firearm industry. They don’t quite reach the tectonic shift in 2020, when legendary firms owned by Remington Outdoor were auctioned off, but there have still been some notable shifts within the industry in 2025.

Preview: Uni-Loader

The easy-to-use Uni-Loader can save high-volume shooters a lot of time and finger pain.

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.