keeping children safe | The Warm Milk Journal

Protecting our children: an exclusive interview with TV dad Rich Wyatt of The Discovery Channel’s American Guns

Published June 16, 2012 | By Debra

Wyatt PR

Rich Wyatt knows a thing or two about protecting people. He is a former firefighter and a retired Alma, Colorado Chief of Police Officer with more than twenty years of law enforcement experience. As a master firearms instructor, Rich is certified by the NRA, the FBI, and most manufacturers of firearms as an armorer.

As owner of Gunsmoke Guns, Colorado’s number one firearms training center and largest professional gunsmith facility, he trains thousands of people from all walks of life on how to protect themselves.

Rich was the host of Spike TV’s Don’t be a Victim series Practical Tactical. He now stars with his family in The Discovery Channel’s Reality TV show American Guns.

Probably his most important role as protector is one of husband and father to four children, ranging in ages from 3 to 21.

I got a chance to catch up with Rich on the phone yesterday as he was driving through the Rocky Mountains. Here is an excerpt of our conversation:

Rich, my readers are interested in getting a good night sleep. It is hard to do that if we don’t feel safe at night…

Yes, I would agree with that. You can’t always count on the police to protect you either. It is important to have confidence in yourself to deal with any situation you may find yourself in.

How do we get that confidence?

To achieve a mindset of confidence, you must have proper training.

My husband teaches martial arts to people to help them with their confidence and self defense skills. What kind of training do you offer?

Out at Gunsmoke we offer courses in concealed carry weapons, pistol shooting, rifles, and shotguns.

Wyatt PR

That sounds pretty intense. How long does it take for the average person to learn how to use firearms?

Debra, give us three days and we can change your life.

Can anybody do this?

Yes, we train students from all walks of life: from law enforcement to private citizens.

Rich, this is Father’s Day weekend. You have four beautiful children. You must be so proud of them.

Yes, thank you, I am.

How would you advise parents on how to keep their children safe?

I would say first of all, get yourself properly trained. Get confidence in yourself.

That makes sense. If we are confident, our children will pick up on that and feel safe themselves.

Yes, that’s true.

What about training for the children themselves? How old do they need to be?

For sport, I taught my kids how to handle a gun at about age 5. But for firearms training, I think the years 13 to 16 are the perfect age.

One last thing…what do you do to relax at the end of the day?

I enjoy a nice meal with the family, talk to my wife, watch a little TV….

Thank you so much, Rich.

It’s been a pleasure, Debra.

Wyatt PR

Coming attraction:

An exclusive interview with wife and mother of the Wyatt family: Renee Wyatt.

In this interview, Renee will talk about how she keeps it together as a busy mom, wife, business owner, and reality TV star and still manages to live a balanced life and sleep well at night.

To be continued!