BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio -- After last week’s deadly school shooting in Florida, a sheriff from southwest Ohio is making a push for more armed personnel in schools.
“I am going to offer free concealed and Carry class free 2 teachers in butler county. Limited number,” Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones tweeted Sunday morning.
He added more details about his plans late Sunday night.
“Attention Butler County School Employees: If you’re interested in our FREE CCW class, email your full name, school affiliate, and contact information to ccwclass@butlersheriff.org. Accepting 50 candidates. We will contact you for date / time of class.”
Sheriff Butler later tweeted that he received more than 50 requests for the class within 20 minutes.
“Thank you good citizens of Butler County for doing the right thing! #kidscomefirst!”
All interested participants must include proof of employment and valid ID.
The day after the school shooting last week, Sheriff Jones posted a video on Facebook saying the time to take action is now.
He also wrote a letter to Ohio Gov. John Kasich and President Donald Trump urging more armed staff in schools.
“Add armed staff by hiring our unemployed veterans and retired police officers,” he wrote. “There are thousands of unemployed soldiers who deserve our appreciation by allowing them to work upon return from active duty. Some retired peace officers are fully trained and ready for a chance to continue protecting the citizens they served. Action needs to be taken now -- not assigned to committees and studied until time fades the memory of the tragedies. Prevent the crimes. Our youth are depending us. Their families are depending on us.”
Sheriff Jones made headlines last year for announcing his department would not carry Narcan, which is used to reverse heroin and opioid overdoses.
