PA Bill Number: HR541
Title: Recognizing the month of October 2024 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
Description: A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2024 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
Last Action:
Last Action Date: Sep 27, 2024
PACKING HEAT: Sheriff says carry your licensed gun :: 12/09/2015
Steuben County Sheriff David Cole has joined some other upstate New York sheriffs urging licensed concealed-carry handgun owners to have their weapons on them at all times in light of recent terror attacks in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Cole also is encouraging residents to take advantage of firearms and self-defense classes the sheriff's office offers to better prepare for potential life-or-death situations.
Following the attack that killed 14 people last week in San Bernardino, California — an attack the FBI is investigating as an act of terror — Ulster County Sheriff Paul van Blarcom asked all licensed handgun owners in the county to take advantage of their legal right to carry a firearm, and to make sure they are proficient with their weapons and understand state laws regarding self-defense.
Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts later posted a similar recommendation, as long as residents know their options and limitations.
Cole said the Steuben County Sheriff's Citizens Police Academy, a 10-week class, is the perfect venue for people to learn their rights and responsibilities and to learn the skills needed to survive a life-threatening situation. Information about the program is on the sheriff's office website.
"The Sheriff’s Citizen Police Academy will provide you with the knowledge needed to take advantage of your legal right to carry a firearm," Cole said in a news release. "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.
"In addition, in these violent times with terrorism in this country, the sheriff’s office provides free weekly self-defense classes at the Public Safety Building, providing invaluable training on how to defend oneself in various violent confrontations, developing a proficiency in self-defense and a proper mental state in a crisis," he said. "The course teaches defenses against armed and unarmed attackers."
Cole also urges all active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a weapon when they leave the house.
Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman said he's received numerous inquiries in recent days from people asking if they should carry their licensed weapons.
Yessman said definitely, as long as they know the law and understand their responsibilities.
"I don’t discourage it at all. If someone has a permit and they make the choice to carry concealed, be knowledgeable of the laws, where you can and cannot carry a firearm, and the laws regarding use of force," Yessman said. "Make sure you have your permit with you at all times. Exercise your Second Amendment rights.
"It used to be when people put on an application they wanted a handgun for personal protection, it was a red flag. Now it’s a regular thing I see," he said. "Contact some of the local gun clubs that might have NRA instructors and take a class. Learn how to be proficient with a handgun if you decided to carry."
Chemung County Sheriff Christopher Moss couldn't be reached for comment.
