Sheriff to license-holders: Carry your guns Sheriff Helmig says licensed gun owners, off-duty deputies, have responsibility to carry weapons.

The Boone County sheriff has a message for licensed, trained gun owners: You should carry your guns, to protect yourself and others.

In a "call to action," Sheriff' Michael Helmig released his thoughts on the Boone County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

"I have reminded my current and retired Deputy Sheriffs of their responsibility to carry their firearms while off-duty," Helmig's open letter states.

"I would also like to remind the people who have applied, been trained, and issued a license to carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) that they also have a responsibility to carry their firearm, which they are proficient with, for the safety of themselves and others. It is also the responsibility of everyone to refresh themselves with the laws that govern the privilege and great responsibility that accompany being a CCDW license holder.

"What else can you do?"

Helmig's letter supports Sheriff Paul J. Van Blarcum of Ulster County, New York, who also on Facebook urged people to carry their weapons, if they are licensed to do so, in a Dec. 3 post following the San Bernadino, Calif. massacre.

"In light of recent events that have occurred in the United States and around the world I want to encourage citizens of Ulster County who are licensed to carry a firearm to PLEASE DO SO," Blarcum stated on his department's Facebook page. He also urged active duty and retired peace officers to do the same.

The sheriff also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, noting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a campaign, "If you see something, say something."

"Each of us, as proud Kentuckians, has a great responsibility to uphold the values of the United States Constitution and protect this great nation from acts of foreign or domestic terrorism," the letter signed by Helmig states.