Behind The Counter & The Badge: A Community Conversation on Mental Health and Firearm Safety
Event Description
Behind The Counter & The Badge
A Community Conversation on Mental Health and Firearm Safety
A Community Conversation on Mental Health and Firearm Safety
Join local firearm retailers, first responders and mental health professionals for an honest conversation about recognizing when someone may be struggling, supporting the people we care about and using practical resources to promote safety during difficult times.
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Grace Baptist Church
650 E. Madison St.
Gardner, KS 66030
Free food and childcare provided
Featured Panelists
Ryq Farnow - Owner, Up in Arms Kansas
Jen Melby - Co-Responder, Johnson County Mental Health Center
Capt. Zach Roberts - Operations Commander, Gardner Police Department
The conversation will include:
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Recognizing when someone may be struggling
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Starting conversations about mental health
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Supporting the men, fathers, friends and family members we care about
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Practicing firearm safety during difficult times
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Voluntary temporary firearm storage through The Armory Project
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Practical resources and ways our community can help
Free firearm safety devices
Attendees will have an opportunity to receive a free STOPBOX firearm safety device through a raffle drawing during the event. Available while supplies last.
Come for the conversation. Leave with resources, connections and practical tools to help someone you care about.
Please Note: This event is intended for adults and will include discussion of sensitive topics related to mental health, suicide, crisis and firearm safety. Attendees are encouraged to consider their comfort level with these topics.
Presented by Johnson County Mental Health Center's Secure & Protect Initiative