CCW applicants come out in record numbers

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - Residents of Clark County are flocking to get a concealed carry permit.

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly says applications are coming in a record-breaking pace.   Kelly said they are now only taking applicants by appointment only starting March 25 .

"Everyone's time is precious.  Rather than people wait here for a long period of time, they can make an appointment and get right in and hopefully 30 minutes and they're out," Kelly said.

Something Clark County father, Arnold Alan, is glad to hear.  Alan and his wife came out to apply for their CCW in hopes of keeping their small children safer from danger.

"You've got things in the schools.  Just in general, there's not a lot of safe places to go, you never know what's going to happen," said Alan.

Sheriff Kelly told 2 NEWS, 26 people applied for their CCW Tuesday afternoon.  The Clark County Sheriff's Office issued 396 CCW permits so far this year which is more than double the number from the same time last year.

Sheriff Kelly said they're not just handing CCWs out to anyone off the street.  Each applicant must pass a background check, have a gun training certificate and have an Ohio ID or driver's license.
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