COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- Hundreds of educators in the Midlands are enrolling in free Concealed Weapon Permit classes being offered by Republican State Senator, Katrina Shealy. The freshman senator supports legislation to allow concealed weapons in schools.

SLED Certified CWP Instructor, Patrick Nolan, who will teach the class, says he prepared for one group. However, the response has been so overwhelming, additional classes will be added. He says studies show incidents of murder are much lower when law-abiding citizens are allowed to use their concealed weapons if necessary. He says the same is true for violence in schools.

"In light of the tremendous tragedy at Sandy Hook, it is imperative we do all we can to keep our children safe and our schools secure," said Shealy. "These CWP classes will go a long way in ensuring good, law-abiding educators are competent, safe, and well-instructed in the legal carrying and use of firearms."

The first classroom sessions are scheduled for 5:00pm - 10:00pm on Tuesday, February 12, and Thursday, February 14. They will be held at Shealy & Sons Electric, 517 Spring St., West Columbia. The shooting proficiency test will be scheduled subsequently at Mid Carolina Rifle Club. Enrollment for the first class is limited. Contact Patrick Nolan at 803-318-1400 for more information, or email him at pnolan747@gmail.com.