As families across Murray and surrounding communities continue to navigate rising mental health challenges and concerns about gun safety, the Murray City Police Department has joined a new regional initiative aimed at preventing firearm-related tragedies before they happen. The program, Project ChildSafe Salt Lake, focuses on secure firearm storage and suicide prevention through free gun lock distribution and public education.

Following a countywide press conference held Nov. 19, the Murray City Police Department is joining a broad coalition of law enforcement agencies, government leaders, and community organizations in promoting safe firearm storage through the launch of Project ChildSafe Salt Lake.

Murray Chief of Police Craig Burnett and Public Information Officer Kristin Reardon display a trigger lock. (Photo courtesy of Murray PD)

The initiative, organized in partnership with NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association—and its Project ChildSafe program, focuses on encouraging responsible firearm ownership and secure storage to help prevent accidents, theft, misuse and suicide. As part of the rollout, free cable-style gun locks are being distributed at multiple locations across Salt Lake County, with Murray residents able to access them directly through the Murray City Police Department. The program is part of a growing national effort emphasizing the role of community partnerships in preventing avoidable tragedies involving firearms.

The official launch event took place at the Utah Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Identification in Taylorsville. Speakers included NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, and local police chiefs representing several cities. Community safety organizations and mental health advocates were also present, underscoring the collaboration between public safety and public health.

For Murray Police, the program addresses ongoing local concerns related to both youth safety and mental health.

“Like surrounding communities, we are faced with the mental health and crisis issues that lead to suicide, as well as the potential for firearms to get into the hands of youth and/or an inexperienced handler to commit crimes and firearm-related accidents,” said Kristin Reardon, public information officer for the Murray City Police Department.

According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, there were 656 gun-related suicide deaths in Utah in 2024, a number that highlights the importance of awareness and secure storage practices. Reardon said taking small, proactive steps can save lives.

“Taking that extra step, especially if you do not have a secure area to store your firearm, using a gunlock would assist in keeping our loved ones and communities safe,” Reardon said.

“Right now, the Murray City Police Department Records Division has gun locks available at the front counter of the police department on weekdays,” Reardon said. “We will also have upcoming locations for distribution to be announced in the near future, so watch our social media pages and website for more information.”

Murray Chief of Police Craig Burnett and Public Information Officer Kristin Reardon display a trigger lock available at City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Murray PD)

Reardon said participation in the countywide rollout allows Murray to be part of a unified safety message while still focusing on local needs.

“Partnering with this rollout provides a unified message to a larger group across jurisdictional boundaries, but keeps the same message of how this project is important for all communities, making it a safer place to work and live,” she said.

While the program targets households that may not already use secure storage methods, Reardon emphasized that even experienced firearm owners benefit from continued reminders and education.

“Gun safety and secure firearms is the most important part of this message. Even if you already practice responsible storage, there are never too many reminders of how to do so,” Reardon said. “So many unfortunate accidents happen because of unsecured firearms.”

In the months ahead, Murray Police plan to continue supporting community outreach and safety education as part of Project ChildSafe Salt Lake. Future events may include informational booths, school presentations and cooperative efforts with local organizations to reinforce safe storage habits among residents.

Project ChildSafe Salt Lake is part of a national effort to reduce preventable firearm injuries and deaths through public education and access to safety tools. Future education and distribution events in Murray will be announced by the Murray City Police Department in the coming weeks.