MINDEN, LA. January 14, 2026 — The Webster Parish Veteran Safety Net Coalition presented a box of firearm safety gun locks to Captain Ron Payton, representing the Minden Police Department, during the Coalition’s meeting on January 14, 2026. The presentation is part of a nationwide veteran suicide prevention initiative focused on lethal means safety.
The Minden-based Coalition supports efforts to encourage safe firearm storage as a proven strategy to reduce suicide risk among veterans and their families. The distribution of gun locks helps promote responsible firearm ownership while supporting community-wide suicide prevention.
Those present at the meeting included Gary Seegers, President of the Coalition; Jerry Madden, First Vice President; Karen Guice, Second Vice President; Beverly Hulbin, Chaplain; Dr. Richard Campbell; John Rodland; John Becker; Sarah Haynes and Debbie Washington.
The gun locks were presented by Hilton Wells, Coalition Organizer and Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator with the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, on behalf of the Suicide Prevention Community-Based Intervention Team.
In addition to promoting lethal means safety, the Webster Parish Veteran Safety Net Coalition works to strengthen veteran connectedness through ongoing outreach initiatives. The Coalition hosts a monthly Veterans Coffee Social at Huffman Manor, located at 1114 Broadway Street in Minden, on the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. The Coalition also hosts an annual community mental health resource fair to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and to connect veterans and their families with local resources.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Coalition or joining in its efforts may contact Gary Seegers at 318-655-3097.