The Ulster County Sheriff’s Department issued a Facebook message Thursday encouraging all Ulster County residents, including active duty and retired police, to carry a firearm if they are licensed to do so. He also urged active and retired police officers to carry a weapon with them whenever they leave the house. Commenters have expressed both support and frustration with the post.
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Others, like Christopher Pulichene, praised the sheriff, saying, “Thank you Mr. Van Blarcum you are a great Sheriff, Ulster County is lucky to have you serving”. A civilian with a gun could potentially make a mass shooting situation worse, he said – the possibilities for police confusion or accidental discharges could lead to more deaths, rather than fewer, and citizens “self-deputizing” or acting as vigilantes is another potential danger.
“All I was trying to do is remind people that we’re partners with the public in safety and crime prevention”, he said.
“Here in Ulster County if you are a legally licensed pistol permit holder and you feel inclined to carry it, I encourage you”, he wrote.
Van Blarcum isn’t the only sheriff instructing residents to arm themselves – Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio is calling on all licensed gun owners to carry weapons. Here’s an interview with the sheriff: What do you think about the the sheriff’s message?
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“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”, he wrote in his Facebook post. I also recognize the legal rights of individuals to protect themselves and their families against harm. “Really? As a resident of Ulster county this makes me very uncomfortable”.
