RETIRED CLARK COUNTY OFFICERS CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS
Monday, May 23rd, 2005 -- 11:48 AM
Two retired Clark County Sheriff?s Department officers have received a permit allowing them to carry a concealed weapon.While most 'Wisconsin's' law enforcement agencies are refusing to implement a federal law allowing retired officers to carry concealed weapons because of liability concerns, Clark County is one of the exceptions.
"Two gentlemen had asked me if I would consider issuing the permit," says Clark County Sheriff Louis Rosandich. The Sheriff's Department went through the legislation "with a fine-tooth comb" before determining the officers met the requirements, Rosandich says.
The Law Enforcement Safety Act ? a piece of federal legislation passed a few months ago ? allows retired officers who complete a training course, and meet other requirements, to gain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The Act preempts any state or local prohibitions against concealed carry.
Rosandich has been a vocal opponent of ?concealed carry? legislation for the general public, but he says this is different. He says the he personally knows and trusts these officers and the nature of their job could put them at risk of retalliation.
"They've dealt with the criminal element. There's always that possibility of somebody having some problems with this officer after they are retired," Rosandich says. "I just feel it's peace of mind for myself, as well as these retired officers."
Rosandich says no other retired officers have shown interested in carrying a concealed weapon.
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