Be There Wisconsin

Be There Wisconsin isn't a gun shop. It's a suicide prevention program operated by the Southeastern Wisconsin Veteran Suicide Prevention Task Force that works with firearm retailers and law enforcement across Wisconsin to provide emergency storage services.

The program—called Live Today – Put It Away!—operates on two levels:

1. Safety Education: Gun shops distribute suicide prevention materials developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), American Foundation on Suicide Prevention, and the VA. These go to customers and staff.

2. Emergency Firearm Storage: Participating gun shops and law enforcement agencies store firearms outside the home for a low fee. It's designed for individuals in crisis who want to voluntarily remove firearms during vulnerable periods.

If you need to store firearms:

• •Call ahead (preferred but not always required)
• •Bring firearms unloaded
• •Pay a low fee
• •Retrieve them when you're ready

The program includes: - Purple markers: Gun shops volunteering storage services across Wisconsin - Blue markers: Law enforcement agencies (police departments and sheriff's offices) providing safekeeping

Participating law enforcement includes departments in Delafield, Columbia County, Prairie du Chien, Crawford County, Eagle, Lake Mills, Ozaukee County, and Cedarburg.

"Gun shops are providing materials to their customers and staff about Suicide Prevention and responsible firearm ownership."

Firearm retailers can join the program by signing an agreement. Once registered, they appear on the resource map so individuals, mental health providers, family, and friends know they're part of the solution. The program provides:

• •Free NSSF materials packets
• •Safe storage contracts
• •Training resources (QPR and VA S.A.V.E. suicide prevention training)
• •Checklists for prevention and post-crisis support

Be There Wisconsin focuses on lethal means education—making it easier for gun owners, their families, and mental health professionals to access temporary firearm storage during crisis periods. It's a practical, low-barrier approach to preventing firearm suicide in Wisconsin.