MOSES LAKE - Rep. Judy Warnick is joining with the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and Central Washington University Police to sponsor a defense tactics and firearm safety course for woman.

"With all of the conversations in the Legislature regarding firearms, I think it's important to educate the public about the safe use of guns," said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. "Instead of hosting a traditional town hall, I though I would do something a little different that would be relevant and at the top of everyone's mind."

Warnick said it's important for women to understand how to use a gun and to be able to defend themselves. Warnick is a concealed pistol license holder and a former member of the Cowboy Mounted Shooter Association.

"I'm glad to work with the sheriff's office and the college to sponsor this event and reach out to women in our community who may not know how to defend themselves or who have never shot a gun," Warnick said.

Participants do not have to be residents of Kittitas County to take part.

The course includes a Rape Aggression Defense System training, teaching awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance followed by hands-on defense training. The course concludes with a session of firearm safety and use. Firearms will be available to use and ammunition will be provided at cost.

The five-day course is being held starting at 6 p.m., Feb. 25 and 27 and March 4, 6 and 9. The classes will take place in the Nicholson Pavilion at 715 E. Dean Nicholson Blvd. in Ellensburg and costs $35.

To sign up for the course, visit www.cwu.edu/police/rape-aggression-defense.