Union County Gun Surrender Program Nets Over 100 Firearms
Oct 05, 2024 Sat
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9 AM to 4 PM
The Union County Gun Surrender Program, held on October 5, 2024, resulted in the collection of more than 100 firearms from residents across the county.This joint initiative, coordinated by multiple law enforcement agencies, provided community members with a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted firearms, ammunition, and prescription medications at 18 locations throughout Union County.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, October 5, 2024Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Locations: 18 sites throughout Union County, including:Union Police Department headquarters (981 Caldwell Avenue, Union)Berkeley Heights Town HallHoly Trinity Church in WestfieldPublic Works Roundhouse in CranfordSnyder Academy in ElizabethBorough Hall in GarwoodItems Accepted: Firearms, ammunition, and prescription drugsTerms: No questions asked; items surrendered anonymouslyGuidelines: Firearms must be unloaded and transported in a bag or boxParticipating OrganizationsThe program was made possible through collaboration between the Union County Prosecutor's Office, Union County Police Chiefs Association, Union County Sheriff's Office, Union County Police Department, and Union County Board of Chosen County Commissioners.All surrendered items will be properly disposed of in accordance with federal and state regulations.Community Impact"We understand that the Township of Union, compared to other cities, is not known for gun violence," said Deputy Chief Scott Breslow of the Union Police Department. "But even one shooting in our town is one too many, and if this gun surrender program can prevent even a single instance of gun violence, it is well worth it."The initiative aimed to provide a safe disposal option for unwanted firearms while potentially reducing the risk of these weapons being used in violent crimes or accidents.Breslow emphasized the importance of proper transportation of firearms to surrender locations, stating, "We would like to avoid people on the streets carrying visible guns."All towns in Union County hosted similar events on the same day, creating a coordinated county-wide effort to remove unwanted firearms from circulation. This comprehensive approach allowed residents throughout the county convenient access to the program.
