As the ball prepares to drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, marking the arrival of the new year, it’s hard not to feel a mix of hope and apprehension about what lies ahead. My wish for the coming year is that we find safety in our communities and relief from the rising costs at the gas pump and grocery store. While I’ll leave the financial challenges to the experts, the responsibility for our safety rests firmly in our own hands.
Recent news stories paint a stark picture of the dangers we face. In the past week alone, a 17-year-old girl was tragically stabbed to death in California, a man was robbed and kidnapped during a carjacking in the same state, a woman in South Carolina was assaulted and burned by her attackers, and a New York City subway rider, Amelia Carter, died after being set on fire by an illegal migrant. Notably, none of these horrific acts involved firearms. Meanwhile, in my own hometown, seven individuals were injured by gunfire over the past four days, with investigations still ongoing.
These incidents underscore a sobering truth: violence can strike anytime, anywhere, and can take many forms. While firearms are often the focus of heated debates - knives, fire, and other means can be just as deadly. The sad reality is that some individuals harbor a level of malice that defies comprehension. This makes situational awareness and preparedness essential for our safety.
I do sense that societal attitudes may be shifting slightly toward a more conservative perspective, but there remain many who demonize firearms and those who carry them for personal protection. Choosing not to own a firearm is a personal decision, and I respect that choice. However, attempting to strip away my right to own one crosses a line. My firearms have never harmed anyone, and the same can be said for those owned by the vast majority of lawful gun owners in the U.S.
As a former law enforcement officer, I understand firsthand that the police are rarely able to arrive in time during a critical situation and I refuse to surrender my personal protection to anyone who has no legal obligation to protect me. Additionally, the high-profile trial and media frenzy surrounding the Daniel Penny incident have only fueled fears of prosecution for those who step in to help others. It’s hard to blame them.
So, what can we do? We can prepare ourselves to handle emergencies. If I were to suggest a list of skills to train in, it would look like this (in order of priority):
1. First Aid/CPR/AED Training
2. Verbal De-Escalation Skills
3. OC (Pepper Spray) Training
4. Empty-Hand Defense Skills (e.g., Krav Maga)
5. Less-Lethal Weapon Skills (e.g., Munio®)
6. Firearms Training
This may seem like a daunting list, but these are the tools I’ve relied on successfully for over 50 years to stay safe. Your priorities may differ, and that’s okay—make it your list.
As we draft our resolutions for the new year, many of us may fall short on some. However, investing in your safety and that of your family is a resolution worth keeping. Taking even small steps to prepare can make all the difference in protecting yourself and those you care about.
SAFE. EFFECTIVE. READY.
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