NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- The first of two gun buyback events in the city of Newburgh is underway. Guns will be collected at the NCAC building on Grand Street until 4 p.m.

At a press conference on Friday, Mayor Judy Kennedy and other city officials announced the added buyback events in conjunction with the county-wide Save a Life Program. Officials say they're meant to encourage people to turn in guns without the fear of being charged.

"I want to make it as comfortable as possible for local residents to go someplace in their own neighborhood and to turn the guns in. That's why we're having these events here at 48 Grand Street and also another event at 131 Broadway at the House of Refuge, the NCAC Building," said Michael Ferrara, City of Newburgh Police Chief.

The county-wide program runs through March 18th.

Guns can be dropped off 24/7 at the Port Jervis, Middletown, and Newburgh police departments, as well as the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.