Because they get a lot of training, right?
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A Cass County Sheriff's deputy who accidentally fired his handgun in a courthouse restroom has been suspended for eight days without pay. Authorities said Dean Wawers, 57, also will receive a written reprimand in personnel file.
No one was hurt when the gun belonging Wawers discharged during lunch hour on Jan. 10.
Fargo police said an investigation determined that his weapon was discharged accidentally.
Authorities said he had hung the gun by its trigger guard, and the gun caught on the hook and discharged into the ceiling when he went to retrieve it.
Rule #3 - Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are on target and ready to fire. Come to think about it, keep everything out of the trigger guard, period.
And no, the weapon wasn't discharged accidentally, it was discharged negligently.
Look, my old man is a cop. They go through a lot to do their jobs and are under an amazing amount of stress day in and day out. This fantasy belief that they are somehow weapons experts is a dangerous misconception.
Now, I agree with the punishment for this officer. It was a stupid thing to do but nothing worth sending him to jail or ruining his entire career. It's a lesson that can be learned from.
Now, if only you and I got the same treatment, I'd be happy. However, I have a feeling if I did this, I'd be in jail before the barrel cooled off.
rolled out on
Friday, February 22, 2008 9:13 AM