It is undeniable that the U.S. is currently in a crisis of major proportions.
Mainstream news media and social media are reporting on violent civil unrest and the possibility of more in the near future.
Some folks are concerned that first responders, policemen, firemen and EMTs, might be hesitant to report for duty in dangerous times due to a reasonable fear of leaving their homes and loved ones unprotected.
This fear is to be easily understood.
In an attempt to allay their concern in such a scenario, the sheriffs of Clallam and Jefferson counties could form a type of sheriff’s volunteer posse to be deployed to furnish security at the homes of the first responders while they are at work serving the community.
Sheriffs have broad-ranging powers, especially when faced with critical emergencies.
Several years ago the U.S. Congress enacted H.R. 218 which gives retired law enforcement officers, and those that have at least 10 years of honorable service, the right to carry concealed weapons anywhere in the U.S., provided they complete a yearly firearms qualification.
Many in the two counties are already qualified and others could quickly be qualified.
Deployment to secure critical locations could be another possible assignment.
Bob McGonigel
Sequim