- May 5, 2024
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It is important to keep in mind that criminals do exist, and anyone can fall victim to their heinous crimes. With guidance from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office you and your loved ones can minimize your chances at becoming a victim. Sergeant Mike Lutz will be teaching a hands-on women’s self-defense course from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 18 and 25, at the Palm Coast Community Center. The full course, which consists of three classes, will be held two more times at the Community Center this spring.
“I am taking this course to help prepare myself for any unwarranted situation, and build my confidence to be able to better protect myself,” Matanzas High School student Alexandra Wells said. “I think this class would be a great addition to the high school curriculum.”
The first class is an informative session, taught by the FSCO Victim’s Advocates and Sergeant Mike Lutz. Detective Annie Conrad, a self-defense instructor for the FCSO, assists in teaching the second class, which focuses on the physical aspect of self-defense. Deputies John Landi, Scott Vedder, Sam Bell and Jeremy Chambers dress in padded suits so the women are able to practice their self-defense on an actual person. The last class offers a discussion session with Crime Stoppers, along with a complimentary meal.
As a law enforcement officer of nearly 30 years, Sergeant Lutz has been exposed to countless crime scenes and recovering victims.
“I am passionate about teaching women’s self-defense since I have three daughters of my own,” said Lutz. “It is important that my daughters are able to defend themselves. All of them, as well as my wife, have taken this course.”
The courses o over a broad spectrum of scenarios and invoke the attending women to think through every potentially dangerous situation.
“I have listened to this course countless of times, and yet each time I learn something new,” Palm Coast Community Center Facility Clerk Mary McGowan said. “I think every mother should bring her daughter to attend this course. It is so important that young women learn how to avoid dangerous situations, and know how to react if ever faced with an attacker.”
Over 1,620 Flagler County women have taken the course since November of 2007.
“It can be intimidating as a woman, knowing someone can over power you if you are caught unprepared,” said Carrieanna Babcock, of Palm Coast Now. “Bottom line: I never want to be the victim.”
The class is appropriate for any woman ages 12 and older. Visit myfcso.us to learn more.
