Teacher/Hero Survivor of Mass Shooting Suspended for Having Concealed Carry in Locked Cabinet

People are trying to save the job of a beloved 22-year teacher/reserve police officer in Southern California who has been placed on administrative leave by school officials for having his service firearm locked in a cabinet in his classroom.

School officials also took his badge and service pistol even though he is a much-loved teacher at the high school after it was discovered that he had his service firearm in a locked file cabinet. A tip to the principal led to the discovery of the firearm on campus.

A survivor of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, the teacher is considered a hero by students and others for his bravery during the Route 91 Harvest music festival during which he “carried an injured friend on his back for a mile.”

According to a school district statement, “The teacher would not face any criminal penalty for carrying or possessing a firearm on school premises. Nonetheless, the district maintains a policy regulation that prohibits any employee, with the exception of the district’s Director of Safety and campus officers, from bringing firearms onto school premises.”

“He is highly regarded amongst his colleges and faculty members, and do not deserve this form of treatment by school officials and the district,” noted a supporter, who has started an online petition to save his job.

According to a petition statement, the teacher was a full-time police officer who became a Level 1 Reserve Officer with another police department “to continue teaching and help educate our students.”

“California Gun Laws states ‘a person may possess a firearm in a school zone when the person is a duly appointed peace officer, honorably retired police officer, or a security guard authorized to carry a concealed firearm under state law.’ A Level 1 Officer is recognized as a Duly Appointed Peace Officer. Not only has this teacher gone above and beyond in the classroom and risking their life protecting our city, he ran back into a war zone atmosphere on October 1, 2017 and saved many lives during the largest mass shooting in modern U.S history.”

So far, over 10,000 people have signed the online petition.

Parents and students have protested the suspension of the teacher. A rally was held and obtained extensive coverage in the Los Angeles news media. Some protesters shouted "protect his job he protects your kids" as they marched for hours.”