Self-defense seminar in Medina will focus on refusing to be victim

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 November 2021 at 4:52 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Doug Pratt of Lyndonville holds a booklet he will give out to those who attend his safety seminar “Refuse to be a Victim” at 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at HeBrews Coffee on East Center Street, Medina.

MEDINA – Doug Pratt of Lyndonville, a technical writer with an extensive background in many areas, will lead a discussion at 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at HeBrews in Medina, called “Refuse to be a Victim.”

Pratt, a Lyndonville native, returned to his family home six years ago after acquiring Robin Hill, the estate founded by his grandfather William Smith.

Ten years ago, while living in Virginia, Pratt was certified as an NRA instructor and has since taught basic pistol safety and firearm safety in the home.

His talk at HeBrews will focus on what is appropriate for your self defense in a variety of situations, including techniques for people in wheelchairs or passengers riding on a bus. He will provide information on mental preparedness, home security, travel security, physical security, psychology of criminals, automotive security, cyber security and personal protection.

Pratt has done two similar seminars at the United Methodist Church in Lyndonville, which he said were well received.

He said the one thing which assures a positive outcome in a threatened situation is to have a plan.

“The most important thing is to have developed a plan and thought it through,” Pratt said. “In New York, you have to provide a reason to carry a gun.”

He said it is much more difficult to own a gun in New York state than others. In Virginia, the crime rate is much lower because criminals know their target might have a gun, Pratt said.

“Every mass shooting in the United States since 1951, with the exception of the shooting of Gabby Gifford, has happened in a gun-free zone,” Pratt said.

There is a $20 fee to join in Pratt’s seminar and space is limited to 10. Reservations may be made by e-mailing Pratt at dad@pratt-hobbies.com.