Sheriff: "you should be carrying"

[ladder13]

One of the local Sheriffs around here, NY, exhorts citizens to carry their handguns.

"December 3, 2015
ATTENTION LICENSED HANDGUN OWNERS
In light of recent events that have occurred in the United States and around the world I want to encourage citizens of Ulster County who are licensed to carry a firearm to PLEASE DO SO.
I urge you to responsibly take advantage of your legal right to carry a firearm. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, make sure you are comfortable and proficient with your weapon, and knowledgeable of the laws in New York State with regards to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it.
I also want to remind all Police/Peace Officers both active duty and retired to please carry a weapon whenever you leave your house. We are the thin blue line that is entrusted in keeping this country safe, and we must be prepared to act at any given moment.
Thank you,
Paul J. Van Blarcum
Ulster County Sheriff

 

[Bill_inBouse]

There is a Sheriff who has his head on straight!

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

I wish the local Chiefs thought like him and issued CC permits.

Until they do, Hawaii is a victim rich environment.

No one except LE can legally carry a firearm.

 

[MikFinkel]

Right On Sheriff!!

 

[BC38]

Sounds like the Sheriff where I live - though I don't recall him going on record with statements like that.
Amazing that it would be reported in such a straight forward manner - as opposed to him being vilified for daring to say such a thing.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

I wish the local Chiefs thought like him and issued CC permits.

Until they do, Hawaii is a victim rich environment.

No one except LE can legally carry a firearm.

 

[Xfuzz]

That Ol'Boy must be from Texas..

 

[old bear]

Mike, that gentleman has my vote.

 

[Lonestar57]

As a former Chief; Ditto, ditto, and ditto......

 

[The Big D]

Though I agree, the sheriff wants to be re-elected.

Be safe.

There is a Sheriff who has his head on straight!

 

[85V65Sabre]

[emoji106][emoji106] For sheriff Van Blarcum.

 

[jimbo728]

I got the same advice, on a personal level, from a local Police Sergeant here in my neighborhood. That says a lot.
Wish I could. My hands are still not recoverd enough from illness to allow that in good conscience. That is a huge disapointment for me.
I struggle with that. So folks, Im counting on you!
Jim

 

[ladder13]

The Sheriff has been elected 3 times, and is currently catching flak from the usual suspects. The major news channels are jumping on board and criticizing him, the usual wild wild west nonsense, let's hope he holds firm.

Btw, he's a career police officer with a stellar resume'

Ulster Sheriff's Office

I plan on calling and emailing him with my support and encouragement.

845-338-3640

[email protected]

 

[Watchdog]

The Sheriff has been elected 3 times, and is currently catching flak from the usual suspects. The major news channels are jumping on board and criticizing him, the usual wild wild west nonsense, let's hope he holds firm.

Kudos to the sheriff for taking this approach, but it goes without saying there will be a backlash and public outcry from the anti-gunners. If major news channels...those outside the local viewing area...are criticizing him, well, that's all they can do. They can wag their heads and cluck their tongues, but they hold no political sway in the sheriff's county. Too many people overestimate the power of the media.

The sheriff claims there are 10,000 "legitimate" gun owners in his county, which is described as being predominantly rural. They (and the rest of the county) apparently support him, since he keeps getting elected.

Regarding his holding firm...he's really only making a suggestion, simply advocating that citizens arm themselves. He isn't (and can't) require it, so all the whining and crying about it from non-gun people is meaningless background noise, far as I'm concerned.

 

[AZ_M&P]

"Sheriff Joe" has been saying the same thing for some time and recently reiterated his point:

Arpaio calls on 250K armed citizens to stop terrorism and mass s - CBS 5 - KPHO

Just one of the many reasons I love Arizona!

 

[Terry]

The Sheriffs of Montgomery County and Butler County Ohio just made the same statement on the news today. It's too bad some of the idiots in Washington doesn't have the same common sense and knowledge.

 

[jackvs1]

I was a Trooper working in Ulster County when the Sheriff was a Deputy working with Ulster County. We were on the road at the exact same time and often worked the same shift and backed each other up. He was a class act back then (mid 80's) and still is a class act. Here is the article in the local newspaper and the full post by the Sheriff.

Ulster County DA urges caution after sheriff calls on residents to carry weapons if licensed

 

[okiegtrider]

I never heard of this Sheriff before this thread, but I have to say I'm his latest fan.

Was doing a little google search on Sheriff Van Blarcum , just a year ago he was in the news for instituting warrants checks at the local welfare office. That is a guy who is taking his obligation to protect his community very seriously! Of course his efforts were squashed by politicians. Heaven forbid that we permit a good cop to actually catch bad guys! And certainly not at the expense of the sponges at the welfare office.

Wish we had a Sheriff where I live. Our guy is seldom seen, and sure can't find him if you actually need him.

 

[Protected One]

Though I agree, the sheriff wants to be re-elected.

Be safe.

...and we should pray that he is!

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I'd vote for him.