Group cranking up annual 'gun buyback' program

By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 6, 2001

TAMPA -- Dr. Dan Riggs has treated young gunshot victims in Tampa Bay for more than 15 years.

Each time they are brought into the trauma unit, his reaction is the same.

"Some come in basically dead, some paralyzed, some come in with relatively minor injuries," Riggs said. "But they're all heartbreaking. I have to be honest with you, the first thing I always think is, "This is preventable.' "

Riggs educates parents about gun safety for Cease Fire Tampa Bay, a regional group that focuses on firearm safety and sponsors the popular "gun buyback" program.

The physician was among a number of community leaders and law enforcement officials speaking at a news conference Wednesday in support of the annual buyback effort scheduled for later this month.

Six counties -- Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota and Manatee -- will take part, exchanging $50 gift certificates to Beall's Department Stores, Beall's Outlet Stores and Winn-Dixie Marketplaces for firearms.

Since 1998, residents have turned in 5,841 guns.

Cease Fire Tampa Bay takes neither a pro- nor anti-gun position. It consists of members who want to educate gun owners about safety.

This year, a firearm safety course being offered to Hillsborough County third-graders is being expanded. The course also will be held in all Pinellas County third-grade classes as well as Hillsborough and Pinellas middle schools.

Also, the Tampa Bay Lightning is providing stickers with the Crimestoppers hotline phone number for every Hillsborough student.

The fourth Cease Fire Tampa Bay will be Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 26 locations in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

For locations, call (813) 844-GUN1.

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