COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Sheriff John Pollack has issued a statement about a Facebook post in a group called “Protect Our Children 1st which he says falsely claimed he was advocating the arming of teachers in schools.
Pollack adds the post also incorrectly suggested that he was going to train teachers and certify them to carry and use a weapon.
The Sheriff says he can’t legally certify anyone in Active Shooter techniques. He can provide additional firearms training, but not to the level that he would send someone into a firefight with.
Pollack says he supports everyone’s individual second amendment right to keep and bear arms. “I am also always happy to teach weapons safety to individuals, but the topic of arming groups to respond to a chaotic and life threatening situation, well now, that is a whole different discussion.”
Pollack’s biggest concern is the responsibility being placed on teachers today.
He says, “if the decision is made to arm teachers, we will be asking someone to go outside their profession and put them into a situation where they may possibly take a life. This should never be taken lightly.”
