“In light of recent events that have occurred in the United States and around the world, I want to encourage citizens of Ulster County who are licensed to carry a firearm to PLEASE DO SO.” That was part of a letter posted on the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and signed by Sheriff Paul J. Van Blarcum.
Ulster County is located two hours north of New York City. Given the recent attacks and ISIS’ threat to the Big Apple, it certainly seems like sage advice not only for residents of Ulster County, but for residents in every county across the country.
After his letter went viral, Van Blarcum later said the post wasn’t intended to spark debate, but merely to encourage the licensed gun owners to carry. He also urged fellow officers to do the same when off-duty: “We must be prepared to act at any given moment.”
