Excellent article Keith. As a retired LEO, I head our church security team, maintain records, conduct all training and sign on new team members. This is a large portion of my service to our church and to the Lord. One day I may retire from this level of service but as long as I can stay proficient and provide good leadership, I will stand in the gap and serve.
13 years ago, my family moved from California to Texas. I’m now retired and worked for 30+ years as an ER physician. I’d like to say that what the union did surprised me, but nothing that this state does surprises me anymore. Thank you for taking a Biblical position on matters related to security. When appropriate, obey the State. When not, obey God. It’s really black and white.
Retirees have a great advantage over working team members. We have more time to train and plan for events. Plus the discretionary income ( generally ) to purchase practice ammunition and supplies. I can also afford to carry personal insurance to cover kinetic events for myself and family.
Interesting problem, in that some churches here ONLY allow active or retired LEOs to be armed on their safety teams. Personally, I'm no longer willing to even attend a church that won't let CCW holders carry concealed.
Thank you Keith for this message. I’m retired LEO from California and receive PORAC news. I missed that article but it wouldn’t make any difference. I belong to a private company that covers us with attorneys.
I set up our safety team at our church about 3 years ago in north central Idaho.
I'm not in Washington State, but found the second amendment attorney I'd want to call first, and then signed up for one of the companies he recommends. Perhaps you can do the same. It at least guarantees you an attorney happy to hear from you in time of need.
Thank you for all of the info that you share Keith! I'm so thankful for this resource to help me to learn how to keep my church family safe every week!
While I understand the sentiment, they need insurance. If this entity won't cover them, they may need to buy their own, which is what many do. Frankly, one problem with too many current and ex-gov employees, they act like they're being put-upon if they have to pay for anything out of their own pocket. I've many anecdotes re: the "gov emp mindset".
Kevin, one church security team I know has every member buy USCCA insurance...better than nothing. Thankfully, we have a good sheriff who wouldn't recommend any prosecutions, but the DA is a bit limp. My wife and I have a plan (we're not on a team) and we're not first responders, so we'll honker down (we have wooden pews), listen, crawl, respond as necessary. Keith's advice re: CCW's in his church who are not on the Security Team, stand down, just be prepared. We don't need Friendly Fire.
My understanding is that Washington State does not allow insurance companies to insure individuals to be covered for concealed carry. Am I wrong? What are we supposed to do? Or who do you recommend that covers Washington?
Again, not to argue, but if a church as several services, might one be well advised to pick the one that might have the least exposure, e.g. 8 am, rather than 11 am?
Not here to argue, but some retired LEO's are waaaayyy past retirement. I recently watched a church security team go through a modified Hogan's Alley/practical pistol drill and, frankly, some need to retire again. At my church, one of the security team has asked some concealed carriers to leave their guns in their cars, as there's a fear of Friendly Fire.
Excellent article Keith. As a retired LEO, I head our church security team, maintain records, conduct all training and sign on new team members. This is a large portion of my service to our church and to the Lord. One day I may retire from this level of service but as long as I can stay proficient and provide good leadership, I will stand in the gap and serve.
13 years ago, my family moved from California to Texas. I’m now retired and worked for 30+ years as an ER physician. I’d like to say that what the union did surprised me, but nothing that this state does surprises me anymore. Thank you for taking a Biblical position on matters related to security. When appropriate, obey the State. When not, obey God. It’s really black and white.
Retirees have a great advantage over working team members. We have more time to train and plan for events. Plus the discretionary income ( generally ) to purchase practice ammunition and supplies. I can also afford to carry personal insurance to cover kinetic events for myself and family.
Interesting problem, in that some churches here ONLY allow active or retired LEOs to be armed on their safety teams. Personally, I'm no longer willing to even attend a church that won't let CCW holders carry concealed.
Right to Bear is Not available for residents of New Jersey, New York and Washington. Thanks to liberal politicians!
Thank you Keith for this message. I’m retired LEO from California and receive PORAC news. I missed that article but it wouldn’t make any difference. I belong to a private company that covers us with attorneys.
I set up our safety team at our church about 3 years ago in north central Idaho.
We enjoy your training and notifications.
Ranger Ron retired California State Park Ranger
Thanks Keith. Right to Bear does not cover Washington State. Who do you recommend for Washington?
I'm not in Washington State, but found the second amendment attorney I'd want to call first, and then signed up for one of the companies he recommends. Perhaps you can do the same. It at least guarantees you an attorney happy to hear from you in time of need.
U.s law shield is good from what I've heard but id do you're own research first
Thank you for all of the info that you share Keith! I'm so thankful for this resource to help me to learn how to keep my church family safe every week!
What a Crock!!
That's the Absolute Opposite of what they should be doing.
While I understand the sentiment, they need insurance. If this entity won't cover them, they may need to buy their own, which is what many do. Frankly, one problem with too many current and ex-gov employees, they act like they're being put-upon if they have to pay for anything out of their own pocket. I've many anecdotes re: the "gov emp mindset".
Kevin, one church security team I know has every member buy USCCA insurance...better than nothing. Thankfully, we have a good sheriff who wouldn't recommend any prosecutions, but the DA is a bit limp. My wife and I have a plan (we're not on a team) and we're not first responders, so we'll honker down (we have wooden pews), listen, crawl, respond as necessary. Keith's advice re: CCW's in his church who are not on the Security Team, stand down, just be prepared. We don't need Friendly Fire.
My understanding is that Washington State does not allow insurance companies to insure individuals to be covered for concealed carry. Am I wrong? What are we supposed to do? Or who do you recommend that covers Washington?
Again, not to argue, but if a church as several services, might one be well advised to pick the one that might have the least exposure, e.g. 8 am, rather than 11 am?
Not here to argue, but some retired LEO's are waaaayyy past retirement. I recently watched a church security team go through a modified Hogan's Alley/practical pistol drill and, frankly, some need to retire again. At my church, one of the security team has asked some concealed carriers to leave their guns in their cars, as there's a fear of Friendly Fire.