I was speaking with a former sheriff's deputy recently, and he related the story of another deputy whom he almost buried. From what I gather, his friend had drawn down on a 16 year-old subject, and couldn't pull the trigger when the kid had a pistol pointed at his face. He hesitated and the kid fired, hitting him once in the body, and then shot him point-blank in the face. He survived, but the incident shook up my friend so much that he left his volunteer position.
It turned out that the youth had a criminal history including violent offenses (including a shooting). I wonder if knowing that would have made a difference.
This is relevant to us because most of you are reading this blog for the same reason you may have started training: self-defense. If you draw a weapon, or even carry, you'd best be prepared to use it. It seems that many people are carrying folders (clip-on knives) on their persons, and they are clearly visible. Many here in Virginia and other states are now able to carry concealed handguns, but I wonder how many are ready and willing to pull the trigger...
That is what i always tell much of my co workers and friend in the office, Better not carry a weapon if you don't have the heart to use it. Better them than you and your family to be buried. Based on some experience in my work before as a security inspector and a intelligence agent. Pull that trigger if you think you are threatened. Great article.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kinds words, Hero. Agreed - don't even CARRY it if you aren't ready and willing to use it. To that, I'd only added "trained to use it," which should be a given, but isn't. One of the benefits of consistent and proper training is that it can take the hesitation out of using a weapon or defending yourself while unarmed. As they say, "He who hesitates, is lost." Or in martial arts, "He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position." Good comments. Thanks!
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