“In light of recent events that have occurred in the United States and around the world, I want to encourage citizens of Ulster County who are licensed to carry a firearm to PLEASE DO SO," Van Blarcum said in a post labeled "ATTENTION LICENSED HANDGUN OWNERS."
"I urge you to responsibly take advantage of your legal right to carry a firearm," Van Blarcum continued.
“To ensure the safety of yourself and others, make sure you are comfortable and proficient with your weapon, and knowledgeable of the laws in New York State with regards to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it. I also want to remind all police/peace officers, both active duty and retired, to please carry a weapon whenever you leave your house. We are the thin blue line that is entrusted in keeping this country safe, and we must be prepared to act at any given moment,” says Van Blarcum.
Ulster has a population of approximately 182,000. The county seat is Kingston. It is located on the west side of the Hudson River opposite Dutchess and north of Orange County.
Van Blarcum is serving his third four-year term as Ulster County Sheriff, and during his time with the department has formed the inter-agency Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (U.R.G.E.N.T.) to fight drug-related crime and continues to participate in and lead the Ulster County Emergency Response Team (U.C.E.R.T.), according to the department.
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