All I wanted to do since I was a child was to serve as a Police Officer. I have also been a second amendment supporter all my life, I support everyone’s right to keep and bear arms. Now that I am retired, I should be permitted to protect my family and my community the same way that other Police Officers or the other very small amount of people that have been able to obtain a concealed carry permit in NJ can. I served 23 years as a Law Enforcement Officer and when I retired the NJ State Police denied my application to carry a weapon. These permits were granted to officers like me for over ten years and then suddenly they decided they would not issue them anymore. I could give up but that is not my training. So I will appeal, litigate in court and achieve a decision that protects all law enforcement officers and helps other citizens exercise that same right and privilege. Many do not have the determination or ability to press this issue. The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) is a federal statute passed by Congress with an overwhelming majority and signed by President Bush. President Obama endorsed the law and even expanded it. When a terrorist attack or active shooter event occurs, all qualified law enforcement should be able to respond immediately, more people should be allowed to have concealed carry permits in NJ, NOT less. As is often said, “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun.” I support everyone’s rights and believe in the constitution of these United States, I hope everyone will give me that same support.
Fox News and the NJ Star Ledger have covered this story so please feel free to google this issue with my name or follow these links. http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/02/confusing_new_jersey_gun_laws_deny_some_ex-cops_ri.html
What will happen with your money and why do I need it? I will treat your donation as if I had earned it myself. The money will ONLY be used to fight this legal battle. I have spent over $5700 of my own money so far and am expected to spend at least that much more before this appeal is done. Honestly, I can’t afford to fight the courts alone. The deck seems to be very stacked against the law abiding citizen, I would like to stand up to that, so I need help. I have always supported every pro-gun rights and Law Enforcement organization, I am hoping they will support my cause too. I can not guarantee how long my case will be in court, but I believe I will be successful in the NJ Appellate Division. This case will help clear up many ambiguities in the law once and for all, benefiting many others besides just myself. Once my case is overturned this will help clear up NJ’s poor interpretation of “LEOSA/HR218 giving us clear case law on this issue. I may have to file a complaint in State or federal District Court and I would like to keep all legal avenues of redress open.
Please feel free to contact me on Facebook and I will answer your inquiries as best I can. Either way, whether you can donate or not, please stand strong for the constitution of the USA we can not let our rights be stripped away. Any and all donations are appreciated and needed to fight this.
Thank you!