Norwalk Police To Host Gun Buyback Event Oct. 19

From the Norwalk Police Department— On Saturday, Oct. 19, a community gun buyback program will be held in Norwalk at the Norwalk Police Department, 1 Monroe St., Norwalk from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is a partnership between the City of Norwalk, Norwalk Police Department, The Newtown Foundation and Wilton Quaker Meeting.

“I understand and respect the second amendment. I also understand some weapons can fall into the wrong hands, be damaged, or do not belong on the street. I appreciate these local groups for sponsoring the gun buyback program in Norwalk on Oct. 19,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling in a statement.

Officers with the Norwalk Police Department will collect and disassemble each firearm, which requires the owner's signature. All firearms must be unloaded.

“Any unwanted firearm that we can secure and assure does not get into the wrong hands is a win and makes everyone safer. We are happy to partner on this initiative,” said Norwalk Police Chief Thomas E. Kulhawik.

As part of the buyback, gift cards will be distributed as follows: $100 for a long gun, $150 for a handgun and $300 for an assault weapon as determined by the Norwalk Police Department. The gift cards for a local supermarket were purchased entirely through private donations. After weapons are properly secured and cataloged by NPD, they will be turned over to Wilton Quaker Meeting and the Right Reverend Jim Curry, retired Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Connecticut, where they will use a forge to transform the parts into gardening tools, which will then be donated to local community gardens as part of a program called Swords into Plowshares.

“We are happy to provide people with grocery store gift cards and are grateful to the many donors that supported our fundraising campaign. We hope to make this an annual community event,” said Peter Murchison with Wilton Quaker Meeting.

The Newtown Foundation has partnered with numerous Connecticut cities and towns on gun buyback efforts. This is their first effort in Norwalk.

“We are thrilled to join our partners today in bringing our Swords into Plowshares program to Norwalk,” said David Stowe, vice chair of The Newtown Foundation.

This press release was produced by Norwalk Police Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.