lapeer20m
Regular Member
edited with full text. "Sticking to his guns" county press article
http://mcp.mihomepaper.com/news/2012-08-08/Front_Page/Sticking_to_his_guns.html
http://mcp.mihomepaper.com/news/2012..._his_guns.html
Sticking to his guns
Persons carrying guns may now bring weapons into sheriff lobby.
By Krystal johns
Lapeer—Jason Harrison is a good example of someone who stands up for what he believes is right, even when government officials have a differing opinion, and in this case his diligence paid off. Harrison, a North Branch Township resident, has been speaking to the Lapeer County Commission, Sheriff’s Department, and Prosecutor Byron Konschuh since June about his concerns that the sign on the front door of the Sheriff’s Department prohibiting people from bringing firearms into the lobby was illegal.
Since he first brought the issue before the commissioners, it has been a back-and-forth debate over different laws and the interpretation of those laws, but on Monday Sheriff Ron Kalanquin told The County Press that he had, in fact, moved the sign from the outside door to the locked inner door instead, so firearms can be carried into the lobby of the Sherriff’s Department, just not beyond.
“It appears the statute that we were relying on before was a bit muddy,” Kalanquin said.
Upon hearing the news, Harrison was excited. “I would like to thank the sheriff, the prosecutor, and the county commissioners for making this happen,” he said. “Removing the signs from the door of the lobby is a victory for all law-abiding citizens who carry firearms for personal protection. The latest reports from Michigan State Police indicate that there are more than 335,000 valid concealed pistol license holders in the state.”
Michigan Compiled Laws 801.262, which was cited as the reason for prohibiting firearms inside the Sheriff’s Department—which is shared by the Lapeer County Jail—stated that a weapon can’t be brought onto the jail grounds or into the building “for the use or benefit of a prisoner.” “It’s difficult to interpret people’s actions,” said Kalanquin, referring to determining why a person has brought a gun into the building.
Kalanquin is asking people to consider refraining from bringing their firearms into the building at all, even if it is allowed by law. He once again brought up the January 2011 incident during which Lamar D. Moore walked into the Detroit Police Department’s Northwestern District station and opened fire, shooting four police officers.
We respect (Harrison’s) rights, but let’s respect those who have a very difficult job, too,” Kalanquin said.
Harrison said he is happy with the outcome.
“It was never about just me. The issue has always been about preserving the rights of all law- abiding citizens,” He said. “I don’t think that the sheriff or anyone else was purposely trying to restrict citizens’ rights. I am sure the sign was posted with good intentions and the fact that they lacked the authority to do so was simply an oversight. I appreciate that the sheriff and others took time to research the law and eventually come to the conclusion that the sign should come down.”
http://mcp.mihomepaper.com/news/2012-08-08/Front_Page/Sticking_to_his_guns.html
http://mcp.mihomepaper.com/news/2012..._his_guns.html
Sticking to his guns
Persons carrying guns may now bring weapons into sheriff lobby.
By Krystal johns
Lapeer—Jason Harrison is a good example of someone who stands up for what he believes is right, even when government officials have a differing opinion, and in this case his diligence paid off. Harrison, a North Branch Township resident, has been speaking to the Lapeer County Commission, Sheriff’s Department, and Prosecutor Byron Konschuh since June about his concerns that the sign on the front door of the Sheriff’s Department prohibiting people from bringing firearms into the lobby was illegal.
Since he first brought the issue before the commissioners, it has been a back-and-forth debate over different laws and the interpretation of those laws, but on Monday Sheriff Ron Kalanquin told The County Press that he had, in fact, moved the sign from the outside door to the locked inner door instead, so firearms can be carried into the lobby of the Sherriff’s Department, just not beyond.
“It appears the statute that we were relying on before was a bit muddy,” Kalanquin said.
Upon hearing the news, Harrison was excited. “I would like to thank the sheriff, the prosecutor, and the county commissioners for making this happen,” he said. “Removing the signs from the door of the lobby is a victory for all law-abiding citizens who carry firearms for personal protection. The latest reports from Michigan State Police indicate that there are more than 335,000 valid concealed pistol license holders in the state.”
Michigan Compiled Laws 801.262, which was cited as the reason for prohibiting firearms inside the Sheriff’s Department—which is shared by the Lapeer County Jail—stated that a weapon can’t be brought onto the jail grounds or into the building “for the use or benefit of a prisoner.” “It’s difficult to interpret people’s actions,” said Kalanquin, referring to determining why a person has brought a gun into the building.
Kalanquin is asking people to consider refraining from bringing their firearms into the building at all, even if it is allowed by law. He once again brought up the January 2011 incident during which Lamar D. Moore walked into the Detroit Police Department’s Northwestern District station and opened fire, shooting four police officers.
We respect (Harrison’s) rights, but let’s respect those who have a very difficult job, too,” Kalanquin said.
Harrison said he is happy with the outcome.
“It was never about just me. The issue has always been about preserving the rights of all law- abiding citizens,” He said. “I don’t think that the sheriff or anyone else was purposely trying to restrict citizens’ rights. I am sure the sign was posted with good intentions and the fact that they lacked the authority to do so was simply an oversight. I appreciate that the sheriff and others took time to research the law and eventually come to the conclusion that the sign should come down.”
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