Sheriff issues statement on gun control


Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 11:05 PM MST


Special to the Douglas Dispatch


To my Fellow Citizens of Cochise County and the United States of America:

Recently, I have spoken to several of my fellow citizens in Cochise County who have voiced to me their concerns and fears with the President’s recent decision to issue a number of executive orders aimed at gun control. Realizing the importance of this matter, I feel it is necessary to publish my official position on our Second Amendment rights, and what role I and my Office will have in this matter.

First, let me say, my heart goes out to the families and survivors of the tragic event in Connecticut, and to all those who may have lost loved ones in past violent acts. However, if history has taught us anything it is this; solely blaming firearms for acts of violence is not the answer. In my opinion, it amounts to nothing more than a play on emotions in an attempt to pacify the immediate outcry, and is a disservice to those we, as elected officials, are sworn to serve and protect.

As Sheriff, I was elected by the citizens of Cochise County to represent them and their interest. I and my Deputies shall not be used as a surrogate of any government entity to violate the civil rights of the citizens of this great Nation. My loyalty lies within the oath of the Sheriff’s Office, which reads, in part, as follows: “I solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of Arizona; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies whatsoever, and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Sheriff, according to the best of my ability so help me God.”

If I have learned anything during my twenty-nine years as a lawman, it is this; education, prevention, and enforcement are the three keys to successful crime prevention. We are a Nation of laws designed to protect our citizens, establish peace and order, and above all preserve the Constitutional liberties of all. With that said, no one person or branch of government can single handedly solve the complex issues of crime prevention. There must be a collaborative effort on the part of Law Enforcement and our Judicial, Educational, Medical, and Legislative partners to develop a comprehensive crime prevention strategy, which takes into account all of the contributing factors, not just the most convenient.

In closing, while I respect our Nation’s elected Offices, as the duly elected Sheriff for the citizens of Cochise County, I and my Office will ensure the Constitutional Rights of the citizens of Cochise County are not infringed upon and will not permit any official, federal or otherwise, to attempt to do so.

Mark J. Dannels

Sheriff, Cochise County

Copyright © 2013 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Well said wake up wrote on Feb 18, 2013 2:08 PM:

    " I am glad finally someone points out that the criminals will continue to illegally get guns. Since December 15, 1791 the second amendment went into effect protecting an individual right to possess and carry firearms. I will stand up for my right. "

    wake up people wrote on Feb 13, 2013 10:43 AM:

    " If a gun ban passes, the only people it will hurt will be LAW ABIDING CITIZENS! We will be disarmed, not the criminals. Key word people, CRIMINALS! If criminals do not follow other laws, what makes the you think they will follow a gun ban? They won't! How is the weapons ban working out for Mexico? Its not! People can not defend themselves because only CRIMINALS have weapons. You think we have problems now? Wait till all the criminals know that we have nothing to defend ourselves with.
    Wake up people. We don't live a nice, kind , and gentle world. "

    Thank you wrote on Feb 8, 2013 10:17 AM:

    " Thank you Sheriff Dannels for supporting the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights... who cares what the county administrator and supervisors think, the Sheriff is elected by the people and works for the people. "

    Thank you for your statement BUT wrote on Feb 7, 2013 6:17 AM:

    " It is a shame you have taken such a staunch position that opposes what many voting citizens in Cochise County NOW support. Such measures include a new ban on assault weapons, requiring background checks for all gun sales and the barring high-capacity magazines carrying more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Does our County Supervisors and Administrator support your position? "

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