Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Sheriff Wants Citizens To Carry A Weapon?

LABELLE, FL. -- Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden indicates he's encouraging the public to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon, or carry a gun in your vehicle. On Facebook yesterday Whidden said,

"In the wake of the recent attack on Americans in San Bernardino County, California, it is evident that we as a nation are under attack by radical Islamic terrorists. These people have vowed under their religion to destroy all who do not follow their beliefs. Radical Islam has openly declared war on us and has vowed to attack us here - on our soil - and they are here with more coming.

"They have promised that more Paris-style attacks are still to come. We do not know when, we do not know where, and we do not know how many will come against us. We also do not know the style of attack that will be chosen next.

"Our county is small in numbers and I feel that we are unlikely to be targeted by these evil people. However, as your Sheriff, I encourage all who are legally eligible, and trained to carry concealed weapons to do so. I do not want any of us to be helpless victims if we should fall under attack.

"The fact is that we will never be able to stop someone from attempting to carry out a violent attack, but we as armed citizens can mitigate the damage. If you do not hold a valid Florida Concealed Weapon Permit or hold one from a reciprocating state and are interested in possessing one, the Hendry County Sheriff's Office offers classes to assist you in obtaining your Concealed Weapons License.

"If you are interested, contact the Hendry County Sheriff's Office at 863-674-5628 or 863-674-5604 or you may e-mail us at ccorbitt@hendrysheriff.org or sharrelle@hendrysheriff.org.

"If you are not interested or do not have time to obtain a Concealed Weapon Permit, Florida Statute legally allows you to carry your loaded firearm inside your vehicle in a certain manner and it reads as such:

Florida Statute 790.25 (p)(5) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—Notwithstanding subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use.

Nothing herein contained prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on the person.

This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as provided in s. 776.012. )

"What this means is, your firearm can be carried anywhere inside your vehicle, loaded and ready to fire, as long as it is in a secure case such as a snapped holster or a securable case.

"I would also ask that when you are out and about, be aware of your surroundings. Report anything or anyone that appears to be suspicious.

"Thank you for your continued support and the support of our agency. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, give me a call.

"Times are getting bad and it is up to us to keep ourselves safe Please share this post with your friends and “If You See Something, Say Something”."

3 comments:

  1. My husband and I support and agree Sheriff Whidden a 100%.
    And remember the second amendment is what keep our country free and safe.

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  2. Anonymous11:26 AM

    I applaud Sheriff Whidden for taking this stance. We need more responsible citizens to start taking our safety seriously. And to support our law enforcement. Even if you do not want to own a legal firearm, please at least " if you see something, say something."

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  3. Good job sheriff for speaking out. How do you fill about open carry.
    As a former Pa resident open carry was never a problem in Pa.

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