Putnam, Orange Co. Sheriffs Weigh in on Call to Arms

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith issued a statement in response to a request from Patch to comment on Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum’s call asking all licensed gun owners to carry arms at all times.

SEE: Ulster Co. Sheriff Calls for Licensed Citizens to Take Up Arms

“As the residents of Putnam County know, I am a staunch supporter of the right of the people to keep and bear arms in accordance with the Second Amendment of the Constitution and consistent with federal and state firearms laws,” Smith said. “ I also recognize the legal rights of individuals to protect themselves and their families against harm. I believe that individuals have the prerogative to decide what lawful steps they will take to provide for the defense of themselves and their loved ones.”

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois issued a joint statement in response to repeated media requests for them to comment on recent statements by various public officials regarding licensed gun holders carrying their firearms:

This country was founded, in part, on the principle that the responsible use of firearms is an important safeguard to our liberty. We have always fully supported the law-abiding citizen’s right to responsibly bear firearms and continue to do so. We have arrested and prosecuted licensed gun holders who have acted recklessly or unlawfully with their firearms. The vast majority of firearm permit holders act responsibly and realize that holding a pistol permit does not make them either police officers or vigilantes. We encourage all licensed gun holders to continue to take advantage of gun safety courses such as those offered by the various sportsmen’s associations, other Orange County gun safety instructors, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which who also offers a civilian tactical handgun training program. Information concerning this program is available at http://www.orangecountygov.com/content/1162/1372/default.aspx.

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