Letter: Concealed firearms should be for protection only

It seems that most of the criticism about citizens carrying firearms stems from an assumption that such individuals are using guns in an adversarial way, pursuing the enemy in a combat situation.

I recall that as a new recruit for the Salt Lake City Police Department, I was given a pistol and advised by the training officer that this was provided for my protection. I was told that as an officer I could be assigned to situations where I would possibly be required to defend myself against an adversary much stronger and bigger than myself. As a last resort, the firearm was meant as a means of survival.

I would hope all carry-permit holders would feel that this is the reason they have a firearm — for their own protection and to protect others who may be at risk.

For those who depict carry-permit holders as prowlers out looking for a target or a situation to justify the use of a firearm, I wish they would rethink their logic.

Harry W. Patrick

Salt Lake City