Popular Posts

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Sheriff Mike Lewis To Encourage Deputies & Citizens To Arm Themselves At Church

This week, I’ve been prompted to meet with local church leaders in an effort to better protect our congregations and our communities from future attacks. We’ve only just begun. In the weeks ahead, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a comprehensive training session for all our regional churches. We wish to open this training session to our business communities as well. A date and time will be announced in the near future.

We have a duty and responsibility to protect our greatest assets; our people. Our goal is to provide instruction on how to respond in the event of a mass shooting in your church or your business. Do you have a plan? Do you have an SOP in place. We want to identify key people within our churches who we can provide assistance in this area.

While I’ve always advocated for off-duty deputies and police officers to be suitably armed, many choose not to carry off-duty because it is a tremendous responsibility to carry an off-duty weapon every day. I realize that first-hand.

However, from this day forward, every off-duty cop should be ARMED at all times. And, that includes church service on Sunday morning. My heart is heavy just thinking about carrying my gun in church. But, from this day forward I will be armed, and I won’t hesitate to protect those around me.

For those men and women with Maryland concealed carry permits, if you’re authorized to carry it, carry it! Don’t become a statistic. Protect yourselves!!! Be vigilant! Maintain situational awareness. Your LIFE and the LIVES of your loved ones depend on it.

108 comments:

  1. Can a law enforcement officer, lawyer or judge chime in here?
    What is the min/max penalty for carrying a loaded gun in public/ in vehicle?
    And the same for unloaded?
    What I hear and what I read are ambiguous.
    Just weighing my risk vs getting killed in my car.
    Can someone explain the rules and penalties for violators?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How's your reading comprehension liberal idiot.

      Delete
    2. 648
      Move to Saudi Arabia.

      Delete
  2. My church has a "no firearms" policy (similar to schools). Our attorney advises that it supersedes "open carry" statues and concealed weapon permits. I am not taking a side here. I am just wondering if Lewis considered this before making such a pronouncement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Normally the cavat for concealed carry permit or carrying under LEOSA, one can carry concealed except in military instalations, Washington DC and other places that prohibit the carrying of a concealed weapon. Now for active off-duty polie and deputies, I believe they have the right to carry concealed off duty unless the place has signage, or policy such as wor-wic, but I think a case can be made with any church or synagogue, that in light of last weeks catastrophe, that it would be in the best interest to the church and parishioners to have police/deputy carrying concealed.

      Delete
    2. Your signage does not circumvent our rights.

      Delete
  3. Thank you Mike. Only problem is we the citizens in the state of Maryland are bread to be sheep. Even though I have never been in trouble with tbe law I am NOT given the tight to protect my faimly my community or my self. So we will need to rely on your deputies and the sby police to protect us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You cringe at conceal carrying your off duty weapon to church? How the hell you think the rest of us feel? Imagine , Mr Lewis, for one damn moment your an average Joe. In case your lacking in situational awareness OUR average joe 2A rights have been infringed. You off all people should be clearly aware few, very few are allowed ccw and they are business owners and worse YET those are RESTRICTED to business and work hours! You hate the thought of having to ccw in Church...then imagine how the avg Joe feels having to consider carrying a long gun!!! The only legal carry left...and their legislating that to death as we speak! Its NOT just church's that are a target, its ANYWHERE its perceived by criminals that people will be UNARMED and unprotected. Should we be carrying long guns when we go shopping too!?!?! So Mr Lewis...your either totally unaware what criminal politicians are doing to our 2A rights and making us all victims...or your just political posturing. Which is it?!?! Help us regain our 2A rights so we can protect our families or sit down and STFU.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another whining SHEEP. You make me sick

      Delete
    2. How is this person a whining sheep?? They are making a perfect point that the state of MD is a true rapist of our 2nd amendment rights. It is a slap that they say it is legal to open carry a long gun but when you try it you will be 100% confronted by police. Most likely not a a good confrontation! There was a video put out by sheriff Mike Lewis some years ago about open carrying a long gun. So tell me why this person is a sheep when it is most likely going to end up NOT in your favor to conceal carry w/o a license?? Me and my family can’t afford if I get arrested and serve jail time. I am a law abiding citizen and want a CCW sheriff Lewis but our state police and state govt won’t allow it!!

      Delete
    3. A church is private property. They can have anyone carry in the building they want. No permit is necessary. People can legally transport firearms as well, in the trunk, stored away from ammo.

      Delete
    4. Sounds like it's time for you to move then snowflake

      Delete
  5. Sure hope you help us ease conceal carry laws or don’t bust chops of a upstanding citizen with a firearm on them constitutionally to protect our family and community

    ReplyDelete
  6. And therein lies the rub...authorized to carry.

    We are all authorized by God and the Constitution to carry yet the State will throw us in jail for doing it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EXACTLY!! inalienable people. Wake up sheeple.

      Delete
  7. Lewis is like the Rohm Emanuel of law enforcement.
    Several years back 4-5 Salisbury police officers responded to a man - alone- in the street wielding a kitchen knife. They shot him, needing 12-14 shots to kill him from 10-15 feet away.
    Just the folks I want firing in a crowded church!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I too have thought this over and made the decision to carry while at church. The good sheriff is 100% correct in planning for the future of this changed society.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Will the training be open to churches that aren't in Wicomico county?

    ReplyDelete
  10. The time has come for the county’s to step up and offer ccw license. The state is not going to give you one unless you carry large amounts of cash to the banks for a business so they can get there tax money. As a veteran you don’t get any better training on weapons. But I do believe you need to stay sharp on your skills and use common sense while carrying.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Criminals aren't authorized to carry why should citizens be.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Just the usual pack of whiners on scene knocking down our Sheriff...AGAIN. I can guarantee Mike Lewis is aware of laws ... much unlike the fools that tell him how he should be doing his job. Mike Lewis would welcome a change CCW but he is not the one who made the rules. Citizens need to flood Annapolis but being a VERY liberal state don't expect our officials to do much to protect us.. If you do not think Mike Lewis is not working to protect the people of Wicomico County, perhaps you would feel safer elsewhere.. Chicago?, California, Virginia?

    ReplyDelete
  13. 7:01 Does your congregation know that you have this policy? I would not attend a church that had this dangerous policy in place. It makes you a target.

    ReplyDelete
  14. 7:48, I don't think people are upset about this topic. Those who are can go pound sand. However, I do think it's extremely important for ANYONE who gets a carry permit to go through classes to know how to handle such situations. Can you just imagine a nervous/scared person trying to shoot back with so many people in a confined space. They could cause much more harm then good. It's comforting to know our law enforcement officers will be carrying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your so right Joe. I believe and have taught many churches/businesses 10 or more years ago crime prevention/active shooter along with having emergency plans in place should an something should arises.
      In this day and age things people have changed.No we will not see times go back the way they were in the 70's and 80's.
      So it is up to parents, families to have open discussions about when out in public places and god forbid something happens as a active shooter what, and how, you would do and re-act.
      If your not sure how to have these discussions there are plenty of web sites etc.
      It's the same for pre planning with Hurricane awareness etc.
      Always have an proactive plan in place. As a civilian, business owner, church, etc you should be explaining these practices along with testing them!

      Delete
  15. and those who are not allowed to own weapons for whatever reason, dishonorable discharge, domestic violence, any felony-violent or white collar, are to be unarmed and at the mercy of those who don't follow the laws.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Felons should not have weapons.

      Delete
  16. Thanks, Mike.
    We all appreciate you telling us which rights YOU think are for okay for some of us to exercise. We didn't really know which ones were guaranteed to us by God and which one's YOU say are ok with you.
    Doesn't really matter.
    I looked again this morning. I did not see Mike Lewis's name anywhere in the Constitution and his signature was no where to be found on the Declaration of Independence.
    I don't NEED his permission, or a POLITICIAN'S "permission" to carry a gun.
    I already HAVE permission.
    Believe this --- neither Mike or any cowardly, crouched behind men WITH GUNS politician gets to tell me which RIGHTS I can use.
    They also WON'T BE THERE when you or your family is attacked, beaten, robbed, raped, or killed.
    As they wheel your 14 year old daughter to the ambulance, dying from being beaten and gang-raped during a home invasion, Mike will be REAL sorry and hold some press conference telling everyone how HE will get the bad guy.
    Your daughter dies. He's real sorry, did I mention THAT?
    Carry a gun. Use it if needed.
    No real citizen will convict you of anything.
    Protect yourself and NEVER think you need their PERMISSION.
    They have forgotten their place. It's getting worse everyday for the average citizen. Walking down the street in the daytime can get you killed.
    Your "leaders" DEMAND you make yourself easy prey and vulnerable to every illiterate thug in town. Your "leaders". Spit the taste out your mouth.
    None of them could lead a one man parade.
    Remember Jury Nullification. If you don't know what it is, find out now.
    Carry a gun.
    Keep cheering (like they have YOUR best interests in mind).
    Bring on the "anonymous" BS.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You probably have never fired a gun. You are a keyboard warrior. However, I get a laugh reading your comments. Keep them going. Thanks.

      Delete
    2. They make drugs for people like you. It’s called Prozac. Chill.

      Delete
    3. Hey 8:03am, your mommy is calling you up from her basement. Your pizza Hot Pocket is ready.

      Delete
    4. Larry, The Sheriff isn't "allowing" you to carry at church. You can carry on private property all you want. He's offering training to those who want it. You obviously know it all, so you don't require training.

      Delete
  17. I got in trouble many years ago and became a felon..... so I can't have any firearms at all which I fully understand.....but the problem is I can get anything I want in a hour with a phone call not that I would. Due to the laws and regulations it takes a law abiding citizens alot more to get a gun and carry it. All the laws and restrictions are only making it harder for upstanding citizens to become armed,not the criminals it actually makes it easier for them.......

    ReplyDelete
  18. " Anonymous said...

    My church has a "no firearms" policy (similar to schools). Our attorney advises that it supersedes "open carry" statues and concealed weapon permits. I am not taking a side here. I am just wondering if Lewis considered this before making such a pronouncement.

    November 10, 2017 at 7:01 AM"


    Maybe you better get a different attorney. A policy or a sign posted has no legal force whatsoever in a church. All can be done is ask the carrier to leave and if they refuse to do so can possibly get them for trespassing.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Exactly. STFU. You’re a murderer. You privileged piece of uneducated country trash. You know darn well you and your mercenary deputies will ruin someone’s life just for stopping at a convenience store to get a soda while transporting a firearm to the range!! I honestly believe he and his cohorts will police churches now looking for firearms violations so they can score some revenue. Scum. I protect myself and family 24/7 from all criminals and no government mercenary working for crooked politician extortionists will tell me otherwise least he become the criminal.

    ReplyDelete
  20. November 10, 2017 at 8:03 AM:

    Right on! I'm with you on this. I'd rather be an alive felon in MD, than a dead victim. I'll take my chances with the law. And I'll be the next "hero" when a shooter comes into my church. God bless the hero that chased down the church shooter in Texas, and brought the murderous rampage to a halt. No off duty cop with a concealed carry permit did that.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I understand everyone is scared, and, there is nothing wrong with being prepared. However, lets not get hysterical.

    Lets break it down a little. A quick internet search came up with:

    There are roughly 350,000 houses of worship in America.
    Shootings of any variety happen about 6 times a year on church property.

    That is a .00002% chance of this happening at any Church. It's roughly the same chance as dying from being struck by lightning.

    You are more likely to get killed in a car accident (.012%), or die from drowning (.0008%).

    So a little bit of calm would be nice. Again, nothing wrong with being prepared, but there is only a .00002% reason to be scared... none of us walk around being scared of being killed by lightning, lets not get freaked out by going to church.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1,8 percent gay or lesbian .3 percent transgender. Based on the population of the United States... why have gay marriage? Why have ANY talk about changing bathrooms?

      Delete
  22. Mike Why not call Gov Hogan and tell the Anti Trump Gov to give back our GUN CARRY RIGHTS ?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Glad Lewis made this statement. More Sheriffs should. What would really hit the nail on the head would be for the MSP to say the same. But they won't. They aren't elected by the people. The MSP are just robots, following what the politicians in Annapolis say. And actually, the upper echelons of MSP leadership are nothing but politicians anyway. So, they will never speak out in support of the people to protect themselves, or at least adjust the odds of surviving an attack. So that means, if you are MSP, you need to always carry. There is no excuse not too. Your leadership inhibits Maryland residents from carrying, so you need to step up and carry ALL THE TIME, especially higher ranking, upper leadership. If not, turn in your badge, you are a weak, useless, pawn and not good for anything but collecting revenue.

    Luckily, things are changing. There are routes people can take to get a conceal carry in Maryland. Extremely burdensome, yes, but with some perfectly legal slight handedness and tricks, it can be done. Slowly, maybe the MSP and Annapolis leadership will eventually come around. I took the easy way, I moved to Delaware.



    ReplyDelete
  24. Keep cops out of churches. It's called separation of church and state. That being said, the churches have EVERY RIGHT to protect themselves from outside intruders, and concealed carry laws be damned. Doesn't apply to church properties.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Officers have rights also. You can't forbid them from attending a church. This isn't Cuba.

      Delete
    2. 9:40am so let me get this straight. You're taking Sherriff Lewis offer to provide training as a constitutional invasion of the church? Here's a little clue for you, just because the word "church" and a governmental agency are used in the same sentence, it does not by default imply there is a breach in your rights. Perhaps a remedial civics course would be useful.

      Delete
  25. 7:53, I don't think any permit will be approved without having qualified in proficiency. LEO have to do so also annually as required by Maryland Police Commission.

    ReplyDelete
  26. im glad you said that mike lewis.chruch isnt safe so not maybe it will be.you dont know now adays what will happen .2 shootings at 2 chruch,enough.we have a right to protect

    ReplyDelete
  27. The ones on here calling names like "liberal idiots" and so on do go cowering behind us when things get real for you and yours.....it's people like you that cause situation like this...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really Shawn? I spent a good part of my life being paid to run towards gunfire. I can tell you, the fellow Marines with me were not liberals.

      Delete
    2. On the contrary I served with quite a few libs. They're not the whiney snowflakes you see online but they do believe only us and the cops should have that kind of firepower.

      Delete
    3. I didn't serve online. I served on the line. Make up whatever lies you want but front line Marines are not liberals.

      Delete
  28. The ones on here calling names like "liberal idiots" and so on dont go cowering behind us when things get real for you and yours.....it's people like you that cause situation like this...

    ReplyDelete
  29. Maybe if they didn’t make it so ridiculously hard to get a concealed carry permit in this state....
    Just stops responsible citizens from being able to protect themselves, asn is their right. Doesn’t stop gun crime that’s for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks Mike you are my Sheriff with rational reasoning towards Concealed carry. I have a permit and the only place I do not carry is Bars and Court Rooms. I know there are other restrictions but I put my safety and safety of others around me above ridiculous laws from those who have body guards. Yes I have been trained for 22 years before I retired and have to go through the eight hour course upon renewal. MD makes it very expensive which I disagree with but how valuable is a life saved. Maryland Lawmakers need to loosen the requirements and expense or give up their body guards ASAP. Hogan has never stepped up to the plate as preached in the election. I ask Miller and Busch would they loosen these regulations if it was their family involved in an incident?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Another reason not to give him my vote!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow. Another reason you should not reproduce.

      Delete
  32. The sheriff made a comment "If you are authorized to carry it, carry it!" Most carry permits are restricted in that people can only carry while engaged in business activities, specifically going to and from the bank. So, the majority of permit holders legally cannot carry "off-duty". They can be arrested or worse get into an unjustified shooting when their permit is not active. Also bear in mind that a lot of police officers do not take kindly to citizens carrying firearms illegally in Maryland... not everyone shares the Sheriff's reelection strategy.

    Second, the sheriff is advocating people in churches and permit holders to carry firearms as a security measure with little to no training. Although he specifies he is putting together a training class, this does not allow training that is stress induced and therefore, shooting at a non-dynamic target is problematic because it is not how a real situation with an active shooter would occur. Police officers have to go through an academy course of at least two weeks on the range and most departments qualify every quarter and include some type of tactical training. The sheriff is also inviting an enormous amount of liability for the county putting on these classes.

    Anyone that gets into a shooting after these classes are going to be pointing to the sheriff's office for their training and the instructor there in. The vicarious liability for this activity is enormous for the instructor, the county, and the sheriff's dept. Essentially he is telling citizens to carry firearms without proper training.

    Arming people without the correct training and encouraging them to carry firearms and use them in dynamic situations without regard to background issues, how to handle malfunctions, how to handle multiple threats, de-escalation of force, the force continuum is very problematic. As a citizen with a gun, you have two methods of force, hard hand control tactics or deadly.

    To my knowledge, the Sheriff has never been a firearms instructor nor has he had any experience teaching people with firearms. A firearms instructor, including those in his department, probably wouldn't make such comments.

    Lastly, he states that he is he advocates police carrying off-duty. This is a given. All police officers should carry off-duty. Those cops who don't carry off-duty because it's inconvenient or feel that their duty does not extend into an off-duty capacity should reevaluate their dedication to law enforcement.

    Although a terrible occurrence, mass shootings are still statistically rare. You are much more likely getting killed in a vehicle collision going to church then you are getting shot in a church.

    This is a hot-button topic and thus a reelection bid. He wants to get people into his department and have these classes to further solidify his reelection campaign.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am concerned because I attend Sunday Services, Men's bible study and Choir practice during the week. I have voiced my concerns with our church council, but have been told, even if some of us are armed, it's not going to keep a armed gunman out.

    The church is to bring people in, and not to keep them out. The best we can do, is have the ushers lock the doors after the service starts, but even that isn't going to keep a madman out. If we stop going, then evil wins. The best we can do is always be on guard. Our mission is to bring people into the body of Christ, not keep them away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Put it in Gods hands. Pray that when evil happens God will handle it. If you choose to carry its your God given right just don't speak of it.

      Delete
    2. Really? Wow. Another tin hat idiot.

      Delete
  34. Pass a "Country Right to Carry Permit", nice and legal than.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Limelight Lewis try to stay in the news cycle. He and his revenue collectors will take you directly to jail after searching your vehicle during a simple traffic stop if you have a gun without a CCW.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I see a lot of uninformed comments on the concealed carry permits. If you are approved you have to go through a 16hr class and prove proficiency with your weapon as a condition at first. When you renew you have to attend an 8hr class and prove proficiency again to get renewed. So the ones stating / insinuating people with permits do not have proper training and are not proficient in handling / firing a firearm. These are people who are not up to date on laws / regulations and give Lawmakers their political one sided comments against concealed carry. My permit is not restricted. So it would be better for these who are making these comments to be more informed on requirements of concealed carry.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I truly support having firearms in church but to tell the truth i would rather see families. Hope to see you at Bethesda UMC this Sunday God bless us all.

    ReplyDelete
  38. You think a veteran needs MORE firearms training??? I've FORGOTTEN more about guns between 10 and 11 this morning than you ever knew.
    Secondly, I NEVER have asked permission to carry, buy a gun, or defend my family.
    Don't need to either.
    Don't take it personally, Michael L.
    You've and your family have always been ok by me, except when your brother brought some low-lifes to our weekly tackle football game.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I think most police carry off duty and usually they are the quiet people not engaging in conversation because they are assessing possible threats. Most retired police that kept up with training and constant background checks carry a concealed weapon. For the men and women of le this is like carrying a pen or chapstick in comparison to civilians. Most people have no idea they have a weapon on...

    ReplyDelete
  40. OK...this is late so it will probably never get read. I'm in my 70s and I think twice if not 4 times about everywhere I go. I'm almost frightened to go into any store. With the first church shooting I had become uncomfortable about going to church but because this is a small area I figured things would be safer. NOW the last church shooting and I realize no where is safe. I will not be going back to church and I'm ashamed to tell anyone why so I just miss all my church family. I cry.

    ReplyDelete
  41. 2:44.... A gun without ammo isn't a gun. It's a club.
    If you carry, you'd be stupid not to have it chock full of bullets.
    I NEVER saw a thug give anyone a few seconds to load and, for the police and politicians who think THAT is a viable method of carry, you are just as stupid.
    Do YOU, officer, keep your bullets separate???
    NO? why not?

    Hint: for the same reason I don't.
    Clue: look around the next time you are in a store or stopped in traffic....I PROMISE there is someone (or two, or three) with a handgun under their shirt.
    I know I know. The police are ALWAYS arresting these people for causing so much trouble. NOT.
    WE (We, the people) are the ones you WANT to be around when TSHTF. WE will actually be able to help you and won't be 10 minutes getting there, either.
    Keep cheering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Until they require mental screenings. Then you won't even be allowed in a gun shop.

      Delete
  42. I am a police officer and I agree that police officers need to carry off duty. However our goverment better start addressing the following issues....
    Wicomico county detention center- short handed and can not get qualified applicant's.
    ECI- short handed and can not get qualified applicant's ( even with there offer of a $5,000 sign on bonus).
    Police agencies on the shore extremely short handed.
    Folks I want you, actually I challenge you to ask someone you know that works at a place listed above and see if I'm telling you right!
    The problem is many in law enforcement are to close to retirement to quit the profession. Our youth want nothing to do with it.
    Now I'm just a police officer but it's my leaders responsibility to address this catastrophic problem before it gets someone hurt or killed! This is a HUGE problem and I see nothing being done to fix it...
    One more thing.... go to Google and type in Salisbury MD crime rate and see what it tells you. You will find it says one of the highest cities for violent crime. Let me remind you we are short police and correctional officers! We are just chasing our tails. Wake up people!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know you are telling the truth. Now the big question is why? And what can be done to change this? I would tell you what i think but we would be here all day.

      Delete
  43. I carry a firearm and nobody knows I'm carrying, I go wherever I want and discard any rules that prohibit me carrying in their business, church or property. I could care less about Maryland's liberals laws.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's just brilliant. And what happens when you use that firearm? You could care less about Maryland liberal laws? See how you feel about Maryland prison food. Genius.

      Delete
    2. Not if I'm on the jury.

      Delete
  44. Like they say, "Better to be judged by 12,than be carried by 6."

    ReplyDelete
  45. Jury Nullification. 11:55 is cheerleader who thinks there is't anything we, the people can do when the people with guns tell the rest of us we can't have them or use them.

    Know about it and use it.

    There is NOTHING they can do about it (except not allow it to be spoken of in court). One of our rights, too, and they do their very best to suppress ANYTHING about it.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I absolutely love reading all these Barney badass comments on here about how this one carries a gun here there and will gun down anyone who treatens them. You couldn't handle the pressure and second you definitely couldn't handle the jail time

    ReplyDelete
  47. Take that Smokey Bear hat Off ....should not be Allowed !!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Pull him over for speeding !!! His head is too Big !!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Joe why do you do this? This will cause more deaths than save them. W Lewis of all people. This will turn in to a race war in Salisbury.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You mean like all the other 43 states that are already "shall issue" states? Yep, they are all like Dodge city aren't they? You gun control people cannot accept that there is evil in the world and government IS NOT the answer to all problems. Self Determination means you have a right to PURSUE life, liberty, and happiness. No promise of it..just the right to PURSUE it.

      Delete
    2. So what about every other developed country where gun control laws stopped mass shootings? We accept there is evil in the world, we also believe it's idiotic to allow this evil easy fuel for its fire.

      Delete
    3. 11:10...in countries with strict gun laws the violence continues...knives, fists, cars etc become the mechanism of delivery. You are foolish to think controlling guns means controlling violence.

      Delete
  50. WOW.... No one even acknowledged Nov 10 @ 7:35 pm. Is it possible that Salisbury is getting worse because there are fewer cops on the street? Because very few get it, things WILL just get much worse. The community should be DEMANDING more cops on the street. Come on people this is your home.

    ReplyDelete
  51. My church has a "no firearms" policy (similar to schools). Our attorney advises that it supersedes "open carry" statues and concealed weapon permits. I am not taking a side here. I am just wondering if Lewis considered this before making such a pronouncement.
    November 10, 2017 at 7:01 AM

    This is what happened in the church in Texas, from what i read and saw. Its a open carry state and guns are allowed in but If a church states that its a gun free zone then by law it becomes off limits for carrying a firearm inside. It up to the churches to change this and the Churches may want to rethink their position on this, or limit as to whom they trust to be inside with a firearm and give it in writing to those that can be trusted to legally carry. I can understand for not wanting just anybody to carry one. but if they are legal to carry and have been thru all the checks, then its a good idea to have a couple designated to be armed carry guards. Our way of thinking has to change. Gun Free zones are also Hot easy target zones!

    ReplyDelete
  52. You cringe at conceal carrying your off duty weapon to church? How the hell you think the rest of us feel? Imagine , Mr Lewis, for one damn moment your an average Joe. In case your lacking in situational awareness OUR average joe 2A rights have been infringed. You off all people should be clearly aware few, very few are allowed ccw and they are business owners and worse YET those are RESTRICTED to business and work hours! You hate the thought of having to ccw in Church...then imagine how the avg Joe feels having to consider carrying a long gun!!! The only legal carry left...and their legislating that to death as we speak! Its NOT just church's that are a target, its ANYWHERE its perceived by criminals that people will be UNARMED and unprotected. Should we be carrying long guns when we go shopping too!?!?! So Mr Lewis...your either totally unaware what criminal politicians are doing to our 2A rights and making us all victims...or your just political posturing. Which is it?!?! Help us regain our 2A rights so we can protect our families or sit down and STFU.
    November 10, 2017 at 7:10 AM

    Do you know that Mike Lewis is one a just a few that have actually fought to keep your Constitutional rights? He went to Annapolis along with a few others to defend your rights! The problem is the districting in this state is in favor of Democrats. Democrats redistricted this state to keep themselves in power. This state needs to be re=districted bad to give us all a say of what goes on within the state. The way it is, we don't. Md per-say is a Republican voted state, but the way the districts runs, keeps Democrats in power. Want change? vote Democrats out! Democrats did this to this state! and they want to keep it that way. GET them OUT! You all can help make that happen next year. Flip more seats to Republican and hold their feet to the fire!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous said...
    I am a police officer and I agree that police officers need to carry off duty. However our goverment better start addressing the following issues....
    Wicomico county detention center- short handed and can not get qualified applicant's.
    ECI- short handed and can not get qualified applicant's ( even with there offer of a $5,000 sign on bonus).
    Police agencies on the shore extremely short handed.
    Folks I want you, actually I challenge you to ask someone you know that works at a place listed above and see if I'm telling you right!
    The problem is many in law enforcement are to close to retirement to quit the profession. Our youth want nothing to do with it.
    Now I'm just a police officer but it's my leaders responsibility to address this catastrophic problem before it gets someone hurt or killed! This is a HUGE problem and I see nothing being done to fix it...
    One more thing.... go to Google and type in Salisbury MD crime rate and see what it tells you. You will find it says one of the highest cities for violent crime. Let me remind you we are short police and correctional officers! We are just chasing our tails. Wake up people!!!!!
    November 10, 2017 at 7:35 PM

    the more LEO are under attack the worse it will get. Nobody in their right minds want to join now because of the low pay and what they have to go thru to protect and serve. Damned if they do and damned if they don't. look at all the false allegations on officers from Trevon Martin to Freddie Grey and not one have been found guilty of killing an unarmed innocent victim! They are put through hell to get a criminal off the streets. So why would i want my son to sign up for this kind of job? What incentive is there for him to? Low pay, and no support from the communities. Good Luck in the future, we are all gonna need it! The more gun control is pushed on law biding citizens the worse it will get!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Shorebillies actually going backwards in time. If a kid is throwing rocks on the playground, give rocks to every kid right?

    Certainly when you look to the teachings of Jesus Christ the answer to violence is violence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Their affinity for firearms triumphs their faith. Prevention really isn't a familiar concept for people who think this way, they'd much rather be reactionary.

      Delete
    2. AMEN. I'm a proud gun owner but they do not belong in a house of God.

      Delete
    3. Aw...shut up you irrational zealots.

      Delete
    4. Amen 11:33...preach it brother!

      Delete
  55. Cowboy Lewis. Your stupidity is driving sane people from the shore resulting in only the same old families popping out babies continuing the line of stupidity. Everything about this place is 15 years behind the rest of the country. Guns in churches. Jesus would really approve of that..

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hey 11am if someone is throwing rocks at me then YES, I have the unalienable right to pick up a rock and respond in kind. How can you possibly think otherwise?

    ReplyDelete
  57. "Anonymous said...
    Aw...shut up you irrational zealots.
    November 12, 2017 at 11:33 AM"

    This is what bullying looks like. Remember it. Know it.

    ReplyDelete
  58. @ 11:00 am

    You are just another illogical liberal...

    And you are wrong about Jesus. He wants us to defend ourselves...he spoke of it.

    ReplyDelete
  59. What hypocrites...you go to church to find peace, not bring in a killing device. Jesus said "those that live by the sword shall die by the sword". Be aware of your surroundings, of course, but what would Jesus say if you pulled out a gun because the sermon was running a little long. There is NO PLACE in any church for guns. You turn a holy place into a den of thieves. The person who enters a church with killing on their mind is from the devil and the devil will be defeated by God. Mr. Lewis should stay home with his gun and watch church services on his TV. God doesn't want him there in his holy place with a weapon. God wants him there to pray for God's continued blessings and to learn more ways to avoid violence than to react to violence with violence. May God's will be done.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Shirley, who the hell are you to judge what Sheriff Lewis or his deputies or other TRAINED sworn officers do if asked by the church to attend? From the tone of your comment, I expect you are the type who looks down your nose to all the commoners (sinners) in church and judges each one to your holier than thou point of view and you think your poop doesn't stink. If "the person who enters a church with killing on their mind is from the devil and the devil will be defeated by God" then why did he allow these recent church murders to happen in the first place? It was said in 1706 by Matthew Henry about the 6th commandment, “It does not forbid killing in lawful war, or in our own necessary defense, nor the magistrate’s putting offenders to death, for those things tend to the preserving of life...” To physically defend the church means to protect life. Maybe your life. At least with someone armed in the church, then the chances have changed in the positive for you to walk out. Everyone sitting on their hands while a murderer rampages though the church is cowardly. Besides, how can you guarantee that the person sitting behind you for years hasn't been armed as well? Thus the concealed carry philosophy, it isn't anyone's need to know if a lawful person is carrying for defense, of themselves or for you. If you are afraid of attending a church where someone, be it a cop or citizen, has taken upon themselves to protect you, then maybe you should be the one to stay home, play chicken little and watch sermons on TV.

    ReplyDelete
  61. 12:57 Shirley12:57. React to violence with violence? it is not called violence when you are protecting yourself or others from death. Guns stop violence.

    ReplyDelete
  62. So sad that you people don't have the brains to figure out what risks are likely to happen and those that are lees likely to happen than getting struck by lightening. Even more so, getting shot or assaulted in SBY is a reality.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Simple. Just deputize us all.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am a certified firearms trainer and willing to train authorized members of any local church who wish to protect themselves at minimal cost. Have them contact you and you contact me.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Don't violate what you signed...

    ReplyDelete
  66. To November 10, 2017 at 4:08 PM,

    I read your comment and it made me very sad that you do not feel safe going to a place you feel is filled with your family. Please don't let the small chance of anything happening ruin your enjoyment at spending time where you feel loved. Do not be ashamed to tell your church your fears so they can help you. Continue to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, but don't let your fear run your life.

    November 10, 2017 at 4:08 PM Anonymous said...
    OK...this is late so it will probably never get read. I'm in my 70s and I think twice if not 4 times about everywhere I go. I'm almost frightened to go into any store. With the first church shooting I had become uncomfortable about going to church but because this is a small area I figured things would be safer. NOW the last church shooting and I realize no where is safe. I will not be going back to church and I'm ashamed to tell anyone why so I just miss all my church family. I cry.


    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.