Alabama sheriff: Put your faith in God, learn to handle a weapon

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July 22, 2015

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris (c/o WHNT)

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — In response to the shooting of four Marines and one Navy sailor in Chattanooga last week, one North Alabama sheriff has decided to change his office’s gun policy, but he wants you to arm yourself, as well.

“After spending more than 25 years in law enforcement and in my third term as sheriff, I never imagined our country would be in the violent state it is in now,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris in a press release Tuesday. “The world is in a state of disarray and the United States is going down fast. We are losing everything that our founding fathers based this country on. Until last week, almost all the bad terrorist or mass shootings were somewhere else and now they are in our backyard. Chattanooga, TN is only about 35 minutes away from the DeKalb County line.”

Previously, DeKalb County had no policy concerning concealed carry for its deputies while not on duty. Now, Sheriff Harris wants to strongly recommend all deputies carry when off the clock—and wants to eventually make it a requirement.

Though deputies are required to purchase their own service weapons, many carry secondary, more concealable weapons that are easily carried whether on or off duty. Harris said he wants to raise $25,000 to help make sure each of his employees is prepared at all times.

But he doesn’t want just his deputies to be armed at all times, he wants you to be, too.

“We’ve had cutbacks everywhere in all these counties,” he explained. “It may take time to get a police officer or a deputy sheriff to where you need them to be, so people, need to get some kind of self-defense training.”

“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. 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.”

(H/T WHNT)