Very few people are worthy enough to receive the National Rifle Association’s prestigious Defender of Freedom Award. Fewer still are the law enforcement professionals who have been awarded this great honor.
Last week, though, that’s exactly what happened.
On Monday in Tallahassee, Fla., Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey was presented the NRA’s Defender of Freedom Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to defend liberty and protect the interest of law-abiding gun owners. He was the only law enforcement officer to receive the award for 2015.
“There is never any question where Sheriff Ivey stands. He stands for the people,” said Marion P. Hammer, former NRA president. “He is clearly dedicated to protecting and upholding the Constitution, the Second Amendment and the freedoms safeguarded by our Founding Fathers.”On Monday in Tallahassee, Fla., Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey was presented the NRA’s Defender of Freedom Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to defend liberty and protect the interest of law-abiding gun owners.
Ivey is well known nationally for a video he posted following last year’s San Bernardino terrorist attacks. The video resulted in interviews on Fox News and other media outlets.
“Let there be no mistake in what I’m about to say,” Ivey said in that video. “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. If you’re a person who is legally licensed to carry a firearm, now is the time more than ever to realize that you and you alone may very well be the first line of defense for you, your family and others around you in a terrorists or active shooter-based scenario.”
The Defender of Freedom Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in preserving and protecting the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and in the service of freedom. Hammer said Ivey was chosen for the award for his service and unwavering support, protection and defense of the fundamental American right to keep and bear arms.
“Sheriff Ivey is part of the fabric of freedom,” Hammer said. “Law-abiding gun owners should know that Sheriff Ivey believes in the Second Amendment and believes in them.”
