In the firearms community, there is no such thing as an “accidental” discharge. It is considered a “negligent” discharge because, in order to discharge a firearm, one must complete certain steps. The No. 1 rule is to treat all firearms as if they are loaded. No. 2 is to never point the firearm at anything you don’t wish to destroy. No. 3 is to keep your finger off the trigger at all times until you are ready to shoot. For a Milford School District constable to have fired his or her weapon in an unplanned manner means that one or more of these rules was not followed. Because this individual is a trained professional responsible for the safety of children, he or she should have his or her employment immediately terminated, and the state should closely review if it wishes to continue to certify this person in this capacity.
There is no room for errors like this or unsafe activities where deadly weapons are used. The parents of the Milford School District, along with the employees who were put at risk, need to push the district to do the right thing.
Chuck Mankin
Smyrna
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
