“DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris inspects the new shipment of concealed carry handguns for his deputies.” (Photo: YellowHammer News)
One Alabama sheriff is making sure his deputies are armed both on and off the job.
DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris bought each of his 55 deputies a Glock 43 handgun to carry while off-duty. DeKalb deputies are required to purchase their duty weapons, and the sheriff wanted to ensure his off-duty law enforcement officers were able to respond to any other incidents similar to the Chattanooga military recruiting center shooting.
“This country is based on God, guns, and the right to protect ourselves,” said Harris. “I think as sheriff, it is my place to protect the safety and security of our citizens. And help citizens in ways to protect their selves and their families.”
Any DeKalb deputy planning to accept the free concealed carry gun must first undergo the Alabama Peace Officer’s Standards and Training certification for backup weapons.
“If you are not prepared, it is time that you get self-defense training or firearms training,” said Harris. “As a Christian, I ask you to put your faith in God, and as a lifetime NRA member, it is time you learn to protect yourself by learning the proper and safe way to handle a weapon.”
The 55 Glocks will set the department back upwards of $25,000, but the sheriff said they are accepting donations.
“[We are] still taking donations to help us pay for them and all donations are 100% tax deductible.”
Donations can be made by calling the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801.
(The following was a submission from freelance writer Brent Rogers)