ULSTER COUNTY, New York – An upstate New York sheriff is urging gun owners to arm themselves in the wake of the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California.

Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum wrote on the official Ulster County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, "In light of recent events that have occurred int he 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."

He also urged all police/peace officers, both active and retired, to "please carry a weapon whenever you leave your house."

While some blasted the sheriff for the post, other commenters praised him.

Joan Lawrence-Bauer wrote, "Mr. Van Blarcum. If you and your staff can not protect county residents adequately without begging armed civilians to get out there and do it for you, then I think it's time for a new Sherif (sic)."

Others, like Christopher Pulichene, praised the sheriff, saying, "Thank you Mr. Van Blarcum you are a great Sheriff, Ulster County is lucky to have you serving."

Van Blarcum isn't the only sheriff instructing residents to arm themselves – Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio is calling on all licensed gun owners to carry weapons.

In an interview Tuesday, the so-called "Toughest Sheriff in America" said, "I'm just talking abou tthe areas where you have large crowds and someone pulls out the gun and starts shooting. Maybe somebody with a concealed weapon takes the guy down."