We are reminded to be safe, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Don’t deep-fry turkeys in your garage. Keep real Christmas trees watered and away from flames and heat sources. Check lights for bare wires and don’t overload outlets with too many lights and/or appliances. Have smoke/CO detectors tested. All are good, but there is one safety practice that should be at the top of your list: Treat ALL firearms as though they are LOADED!

As soon as you pick up a firearm check to see if it loaded. Open the breach, rack back the slide locking it in the open position, swing out the cylinder and check to see if cartridges or shells are present Eject the magazine too! Use your finger to finger if possible to make sure a cartridge isn’t in the chamber. Naturally, if you are going to immediately use it or carry it concealed/open carry, you will want to verify it IS loaded.

If the firearm has been out of your hands for even a second after you have checked to make sure it is unloaded, consider it loaded and check again! You can never tell if someone has loaded it while it was out of view.

Above all, NEVER EVER POINT A FIREARM AT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING YOU DO NOT WISH TO DESTROY!

On Monday, December 6, 2022, Officer Andrew Lawson didn’t follow any of these safety procedures. Deputy Austin Walsh lost his life. A group were playing games and they took a break. Lawson was sure he had unloaded a firearm earlier and he picked it up and “jokingly pointed the gun in Austin’s direction and pulled the trigger.” Deputy Walsh was killed instantly.

Officer Lawson certainly knew firearm safety, but a moment of horseplay killed his friend and certainly cost Lawson his career and probably will be spending some time behind bars.

I’m sure there will be many firearms bought this season. Just be sure to make sure no ammunition is around when showing off your new additions to your collection. Lock them up when you are celebrating so everyone will have a safe holiday.

Keep the New Year safe!