Seventy-second Pct. Delegate Brian Fusco hands gunlock to P.O. William Tomasi.

he last of the first 10,000 free gunlocks donated to the PBA by Project Childsafe were distributed in August to about half the officers working in Brooklyn South. But if you haven’t received a free gunlock yet, don’t worry because more are on the way.

Steve Alger, Project Childsafe’s director of government relations, told the PBA that the process of acquiring more locks for the federally-funded program took a little longer than they had predicted.

“The good news is that we expect to be shipping another 10,000 locks to the New York City PBA in late September or early October,” Alger said. “We are committed to delivering a lock for every sworn member of the NYPD.”

In addition to those 33,000 free locks, Project Childsafe has agreed to supply enough additional locks for the class of recruits now in the academy.

“That’s great news for our police officers who are trying to stretch every dollar as they gear up with uniforms and equipment to hit the streets,” PBA President Pat Lynch said. “We expect to work with Project Childsafe in the future so we can distribute free locks on the day that our newest police officers receive their shields and guns.”

Police officers in at the 72 were understandably pleased when the gunlocks showed up.

“We keep other people’s kids safe,” said P.O. Tessa Caesar of the 72 Pct., “and thanks to our union, we can now do it for our own.”

Other officers noted that they had been waiting for the locks and will appreciate the peace of mind that the extra security will bring to their homes.

As PBA delegate Brian Fusco distributed locks at the 72, Financial Secretary Drew Bailey said, “The department is always quick to criticize our members for a safety violation, but they never step up to the plate to provide any safety equipment without a fight from the PBA. It’s terrific that Project Childsafe stepped up with these life-saving devices.”

The cable-style lock is versatile, easy to use and will work with virtually any kind of pistol. With a semi-automatic, the cable fits through the magazine area and, with the slide forward, protrudes from the chamber and then fits into the lock.

On a 38-caliber, the cable is placed through the barrel and comes out of the frame with the cylinder open and then clicks into the lock. It’s a simple and effective device that will protect everyone from an accidental and potentially fatal discharge.

“This is pretty simple — even I can use it,” one 72 Pct. officer remarked.

“We have a responsibility to our families and friends to handle our weapons with care and to keep them safe,” Pat Lynch added. “And we’re going to keep the program going until each and every PBA member has a free gunlock.”