CHENANGO COUNTY – On Dec. 7, 2015, the Chenango County Sheriff announced that he stood with the Ulster County Sheriff, encouraging those who are licensed to carry a firearm to do so.

It was Dec. 3, 2015 when Ulster County Sheriff Paul J. Van Blarcum posted on his Sheriff’s Office Facebook page a notice to all licensed handgun owners.

“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.

Chenango Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting, Jr. soon joined with Sheriff Van Blarcum.

“I wholeheartedly stand with my fellow Sheriffs,” said Cutting. “This is a topic I have supported in my private life and have shared my support publicly for the last seven years. I am a staunch supporter of the people’s right to keep and bear arms in accordance with the Second Amendment to the Constitution and consistent with State and Federal firearms laws.”

Cutting additionally said, “Exercise your legal right to ensure the safety of you, your family and others. Be knowledgeable of the laws in New York and with regard to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it.”

Sheriff Van Blarcum also reminded police and peace officers both active duty and retired to carry a firearm “whenever you leave your house.”

Van Blarcum said, “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.”

Cutting added, “Remember, this is a great responsibility and should only be used in the event that life is being threatened by the use or imminent use of deadly physical force. Be prepared and be safe.”

As of press time, 12 sheriffs throughout the state of New York have joined with Sheriff Van Blarcum and his statement. Sheriff Cutting said that while he can’t speak for any other sheriffs, they will alone make their own decisions and he respects their decision, whatever it may be.

Sheriff Cutting reminded the public that anyone who possesses a permit to carry concealed has completed a permit application, reference or background checks, mental health check, as well as several layers of gun safety and handgun training.

“Hunting licenses require a hunter’s safety course for a hunting license,” said Cutting. “Even to purchase a firearm you have to have a check conducted by a dealer.”

“To purchase a firearm in New York requires checks of some type,” Cutting added. “Handguns require a much more stringent set of requirements for people to own and possess.”

In addition to the Chenango Sheriff and 11 other counties that have pledged to stand with Ulster County’s Sheriff, more than 3,000 Facebook users have joined the ‘Community’ page in support of responsible carrying of firearms if licensed.

For those interested in obtaining a pistol permit in Chenango County, applications can be picked up at the County Office Building in Norwich.

Many have expressed their thanks and gratitude to Sheriff Cutting on social media after he made his announcement.