Last month DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said he would give his deputies backup firearms to concealed carry while off duty. This week he made good on that promise, sharing with reporters Tuesday that 55 Glock 43 handguns have been delivered to the Sheriff’s Department.
The Sheriff says his policy decision as a response to “events occurring all over the world, especially…tragic events in the U.S. over the past several years,” particularly the shooting of four U.S. military members at a recruiting center in Chattanooga, Tennessee in July.
“This country is based on God, guns, and the right to protect ourselves. I think as sheriff, it is my place to protect the safety and security of our citizens,” Harris said when he announced the program last month. “And help citizens in ways to protect their selves and their families.”
Harris, who believes the military should also change its policy and allow recruiters to carry weapons, said there are a few steps Americans can take to protect their rights:
“If you are not prepared, it is time that you get self-defense training or firearms training,” he said. “As a Christian, I ask you to put your faith in God, and as a life time NRA member, it is time you learn to protect yourself by learning the proper and safe ways to handle a weapon.”
The deputies in DeKalb County are required to buy their own on-duty weapons, but these firearms will remain the property of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
The Glock 43, otherwise known as the G43, is a single stack 9mm pistol. The firearm is manufactured by Glock Ges.m.b.H, headquartered in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria.
The easily-concealable weapon, pictured above, is essentially a smaller version of the sidearm many law enforcement officers carry while on duty.
All deputies receiving a gun are required to go through the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (APOST) certification that’s designed specifically for backup weapons.
Sherrif Harris said “The cost for the guns and ammo will be between $22,000 and $25,000.” The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is “still taking donations to help us pay for them and all donations are 100% tax deductible.”
If you would like to donate contact DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801, or 256-304-0469. You can also mail in donations to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office 2801 Jordan Road SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968.
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— John James (@john_james_20) August 19, 2015
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