Gift cards, firearm safes offered at Keep Kids Safe Gun Buyback Day

STAMFORD – “We’re here today to protect the most vulnerable,” said Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh at a news conference Friday announcing gun buyback events in Norwalk and Stamford.

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among U.S. children, Walsh said, and firearms are a leading source of injury.

Turning in guns in exchange for gift cards Saturday, Oct. 5, at Norwalk and Stamford police headquarters is part of the fourth annual Keep Kids Safe Gun Buyback and Safe Giveaway Day being held in communities throughout the state.

Both departments will be accepting firearms from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Persons turning over guns remain anonymous and will not be questioned, officials said.

The procedure in Norwalk, Walsh said, is for guns to be transported to Police Headquarters at 1 Monroe St. in the trunk of a car. Upon arrival, officers will remove the weapon and give the person delivering it a gift card.

The cards are valued between $50 and $200, with the amount received based on a firearm’s type and operable condition.

Both departments also will offer gun safes to people presenting a valid firearm permit. The safes require entry of a pin code to open and are safe to be kept in a bedroom, Walsh said.

The gift cards and safes are provided by the Newtown Action Alliance and the Wilton Quaker Association.

Explaining his support for the buyback program during the news conference at Stamford Police Headquarters, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said that every day across the country you can hear a story about a tragic death created by an accidental discharge or guns falling into the hands of the wrong person.

Getting rid of your unwanted gun in the household and securing firearms is the most protective measure against unintentional injuries, Rilling said.

The Stamford program is funded in part by a $4,000 donation from Stamford Health, the operator of Stamford Hospital.

Joseph Hines, the organization’s director of safety and security, said that by providing a safe and anonymous way to turn in unwanted firearms, we’re reducing the risk of accidents, theft and potential tragedies, and providing a responsible outlet to dispose of firearms without fear or judgement.

“Every gun turned in means one less chance for a child to find an unsecured firearm or for a weapon to fall into the wrong hands,” Hines said.

Stamford Police Sgt. Adrianna Molina, commander of the department’s Behavioral Health Unit, said the collected firearms are transferred to the state for destruction.