Cambridge Man Named ‘Safety Instructor Of The Year’ By MN DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the recipient of 2024's volunteer firearms safety instructor of the year, and that honor is going to a Cambridge man. Congrats to Jim Fridstrom.

Jim has been a firearms safety instructor since 1984, and he teaches a class each year to about 25 students on the importance of firearm safety at the Isanti County Sportsmen’s Club.

According to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources news release:

“Jim has been at this a long time, but his enthusiasm for setting students on a path to a lifetime of safety in the field hasn’t waned,” said Conservation Officer David Schottenbauer, DNR Enforcement regional training officer whose work area includes Isanti County. “The amount of time he’s volunteered so others can enjoy the outdoors safely is a testament to his character, and he’s very deserving of this recognition.”

Minnesota Firearm Safety By The Numbers

4,000 - More than 4,000 volunteer instructors teach DNR firearms safety courses across the state.

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1.3 million - Since the firearms safety program began in 1955, more than that number of students have been certified.

45 - You've got to be older than 45 to hunt without a firearm safety certification.

Classes Fill Up Fast

The firearm safety certification classes fill up fast. I just looked at the classes listed on the Minnesota DNR website, and for those looking for certification for kids this summer might have to hit the road.

A majority of classes offered in Central Minnesota are full, but if you are open to doing some driving in August, you can sign up for some of the classes in other parts of the state. You can see the class list from the DNR here.