Lost to Tragedy at a Young Age
A young life was lost to a senseless act of violence. Jenesis Dockery, just eight years old, was shot and killed while at her babysitter’s house. The incident was a devastating reminder of the importance of safe gun storage. The babysitter’s son brought a firearm from his father’s house, and at some point, it was accidentally discharged, taking Jenesis’ life. The tragedy has a profound impact on her father, Fon Dockery, and his wife. They have since dedicated themselves to raising awareness about safe gun storage practices, founding the Live Like Jenesis Project. Their mission is to prevent similar tragedies from occurring, and they emphasize the importance of securing one’s firearm every time.
- Proper gun storage can save lives
- It’s a matter of personal responsibility
- Education and awareness are key
The Dockerys’ efforts have gained significant attention, and their message is clear: by securing one’s firearm, one can significantly reduce the risk of accidents or unauthorized access. The Live Like Jenesis Project encourages parents, caregivers, and individuals to take simple steps to ensure the safe storage of their firearms.
A New Approach to Gun Safety
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with Wake County Public Schools and the North Carolina Department of Justice, has launched the NC S.A.F.E. program, which stands for “safely securing firearms effectively”. This initiative aims to educate the public on the importance of safe gun storage and provide resources to help individuals and families implement effective security measures. The NC S.A.F.E. program has gained momentum, and its first event was held at Garner Magnet High School. The program’s goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured firearms and the importance of proper storage.
- The NC S.A.F.E. program is a new approach to gun safety
- It aims to educate the public on safe gun storage practices
- It provides resources for individuals and families to implement effective security measures
A Growing Concern
In 2024, there were 86 incidents reported in North Carolina of children accessing firearms at schools. Most of these incidents involved children bringing firearms from their own homes or homes of family members. This alarming statistic highlights the need for education and awareness about safe gun storage practices. In Wake County, the sheriff’s office reported 14 juveniles charged with a firearm in 2024, with two of those incidents reported this year. While the agency does not track where juveniles obtain the firearms, it is clear that the issue of safe gun storage is a growing concern.
| Year | Number of incidents |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 86 |
| 2025 (so far) | 2 |
Internet Safety Highlighted
In addition to the focus on safe gun storage, the NC S.A.F.E. event also highlighted the importance of internet safety. This is a crucial aspect of modern life, and the program aims to educate the public on how to protect themselves and their families from online threats. “Internet safety is a critical component of our overall approach to gun safety,” said Deputy Director William Lassiter. “It’s like asking (kids) to wear a helmet when they go out on a bike. It’s the simple steps that you can take each and every day to make sure that your gun doesn’t get into the wrong hands, and it also protects them from online threats.”
The event was a huge success, with the NC S.A.F.E. program and its partners working together to educate the public on the importance of safe gun storage and internet safety.
A Message of Hope
The tragedy of Jenesis Dockery’s death has left a lasting impact on her family and the community. However, it has also served as a catalyst for change. The Live Like Jenesis Project and the NC S.A.F.E. program are working together to raise awareness about safe gun storage practices and provide resources to help individuals and families implement effective security measures. “The most upsetting for us is, this was preventable,” said Fon Dockery. “It’s not only upsetting. But it is also, in turn, part of the same fuel we use to advocate and fight. This didn’t have to happen.”
By working together, we can prevent similar tragedies from occurring. By educating ourselves and our loved ones on safe gun storage practices, we can create a safer and more responsible community for everyone.
“Saving lives is not just about the physical act of preventing a tragedy. It’s also about the emotional and psychological impact that comes with it. By working together, we can create a society that values life and is committed to preventing senseless tragedies.”
— William Lassiter, Deputy Director, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Take Action
The NC S.A.F.E. Here are some key steps to take:
- Store firearms in a locked cabinet or safe
- Keep ammunition and firearms separate
- Use trigger locks or other safety devices
- Be mindful of children’s access to firearms
- Take a firearms safety course
By following these simple steps, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents or unauthorized access to firearms. Let’s work together to create a safer and more responsible community for everyone.
Get Involved
The NC S.A.F.E. program and the Live Like Jenesis Project are working together to raise awareness about safe gun storage practices and provide resources to help individuals and families implement effective security measures. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Visit the NC S.A.F.E.
