A-G Associates’ Senior Management Analyst Chris Jachimiec was recently invited to Fox & Friends Weekend to discuss his work with End Family Fire, a movement to promote responsible gun ownership through the practice of safe gun storage. A Veteran of the United States Air Force and a wounded warrior himself, Chris lost his Marine brother to suicide following a courageous battle with post-traumatic stress in 2017. Chris now dedicates his life to finding and utilizing multiple pathways to recovery from mental health issues, grief, and trauma. As a partner to End Family Fire, he works to advance a national conversation on practical steps gun owners can take to avoid tragedies.

Chris tells Fox & Friends Weekend host Will Cain he believes American gun owners have good intent and wish to be responsible. “They want to have a firearm in their home to be able to protect themselves and their families from some outside threats,” Chris says. “And sometimes we don’t think about the inside threat that exists within our home by not securing our firearms safely.”

Chris offers several methods to secure firearms:

A basic cable lock is a cost-effective solution provided for free by many firearm manufacturers or local civic activities. These locks can be easily installed through the chamber and magwell of a firearm.

For those looking for quick access, Chris suggests using concealment furniture, such as nightstands or wall-mounted safes. These provide discreet and safe storage options for those who want to keep their firearms accessible yet secure.

Biometric safes are another option Chris recommends for those who prioritize quick and reliable access. These safes use fingerprint recognition technology for rapid engagement and disengagement, ensuring secure storage without the need for keys or RFID devices.

And Chris suggests mobile pods with biometric locks for safe transport in vehicles. With a tethered lock for added security, these pods are convenient for gun owners wishing to travel with protection.

“I’m grateful to Fox and Friends Weekend for opening up the conversation on secure storage of firearms” Chris says. “The entire team was extremely professional during the segment planning process and the day of the event.”

To learn more about safe gun storage and responsible firearm ownership, visit End Family Fire’s website at endfamilyfire.org.

If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

About the Author

Chris Jachimiec (pronounced “Jack Uh Mick) is a Senior Management Analyst at A-G Associates. He is responsible for leading diverse teams across multiple work streams and work products within a Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention project. He brings over two decades of experience from his time in the United States Air Force, veteran non-profits and various mental health organizations. He holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University, a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Maryland University College, and two Associate of Applied Science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

Click to watch Chris share his message in this public service announcement, produced in partnership with End Family Fire and AdCouncil.