Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon released a statement Monday afternoon outlining his stance on gun control and the 2nd amendment, and announced plans for community forums on the highly divisive topic.
“Over the past month I have received numerous inquiries about my stance on gun control and questions as to my support for the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution,” begins Growdon, “First and foremost: I support the 2nd Amendment Right of citizens to keep and bear arms.”
“Law abiding persons that meet established criteria are entitled to own and possess firearms for: Self-defense, hunting, target shooting, recreation, and collecting. I am an avid, sportsman, hunter, outdoorsman, and have enjoyed hunting and shooting sports since childhood. I was taught by my grandfathers and father to respect firearms and appreciate the freedom we have to keep and bear arms in this country. I now share those same values and traditions with my own sons.”
Growdon explained that when he first joined the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office in 1994 he took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of California. He reaffirmed that oath when he assumed the elected office of Lassen County Sheriff in 2011.
“In accordance with my oath of office, I pledge to fulfill my Constitutional obligations by striving to ensure my agency: Protects the constitutional rights, provides equal protection under the law, and adequately and uniformly enforce state laws in Lassen County.”
“Sadly,” continues Growdon, “This most recent debate over gun control measures comes in the wake of the tragic shooting in Newtown Connecticut. That event raises many questions about school safety and how to thwart gun violence. My administration is partnering with school administrators throughout Lassen County to update and modernize existing school safety plans and provide additional training to school personnel.”
According to Growdon, he and the Sheriff’s Department staff will dedicate considerable time and resources to this project for the foreseeable future. Additionally, to enhance the department’s response capabilities Growdon has developed strong working relationships with the various law enforcement agencies serving Lassen County, and conducted inter-agency school response training exercises with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
“Those same partners will continue to assist my agency with threat assessment and coordinated response capabilities specific to schools and other critical incident response needs,” said Growdon, “The relationship and support from those agencies is invaluable for me to ensure the Sheriff’s Office is prepared to meet the law enforcement needs for our citizens.”
Sheriff Growdon emphasizes that he is always available and willing to discuss his position on matters of public safety. He will be hosting another series of town hall style meetings in different areas of Lassen County beginning in March 1st.
“I encourage citizens to attend those forums to hear directly from me and my staff regarding the opportunities and challenges facing the Sheriff’s Office.”
