Gimme Five: Donna Anthony – Police Chief, Firearms Instructor

Donna Anthony is currently the Chief of Police for an Alaska police Department with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. She has also owned Point Blank Firearms and Self-defense Training for over 10 years.

1. We want to know more about you. Please give us a glimpse into your journey with firearms.

I was born and raised in Alaska and never touched a handgun until I entered the police Academy in 1995. Eventually, as a police officer, I became a field training officer and an investigator assigned to the Alaska State Trooper Statewide Drug Task Force Unit in an undercover capacity. I worked with a range of law enforcement agencies throughout Alaska including the U.S. Marshals, DEA, ATF, and FBI.

2. What two pieces of advice would you give someone interested in learning how to shoot or purchase their first firearm? 

1. Take the time to ask around and find a good firearms instructor in your area. Word of mouth goes a long way, and the instructor’s reputation is very important. Don’t just go off of the fancy website. Find an instructor who enjoys teaching, not one who is all about the money, but someone who enjoys mentoring and helping others.

2. If you can “try before you buy,” that would be the ideal way to purchase a firearm. I can’t tell you how many people showed up with a gun they’ve never shot, most of the time their husband, and did not like it. No one can tell you what a good gun is for “you” until you try it. Make sure it fits your hand, and you can properly place your trigger finger on the trigger without changing your grip. (Middle of tip/ index finger) Then, shoot the gun and see how it feels when you pull the trigger—specifically, your grip, recoil and trigger reset.

3. What is your favorite piece of firearm-related equipment that you own? Why do you like it?

I would have to say my Kimber 1911.  When I retired from the Palmer Police Department, that was my duty gun. The department engraved my duty gun with my unit number, name, and Romans 13:4.

4. What was something someone told you (or that you read) that significantly influenced your life?

Vicky Farnam told me how women learned differently than men. For example, if you said to a bunch of men, “Go move those tables and put them in the south corner of the room,” they’d just go do it. No questions asked. If you ask a group of women to do the same task, you’ll get several women asking how to place the table, how many chairs, what direction, etc. Women need the details and the “Why.” Women think and learn differently than men.

5. What do you wish you knew about getting involved with firearms right from the beginning of your journey?

I wish I had been taught the basics or even had a woman firearms instructor to help me feel more comfortable and as a mentor or role model during my time in the police academy.