The first place in Georgia to pass an ordinance allowing all city employees to legally carry guns to work is Demorest.
The north Georgia city is located in Habersham County, about 75 miles north of Atlanta. The population was fewer than 1,500 people at the time of the 2000 census.
City Council members approved the new rule Tuesday, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Mayor Rick Austin came up with the policy change idea, believing if citizens are allowed to carry weapons into public places under the law, Demorest employees should be afforded the same right.
“We are correcting what I view and many view as an inequality in the law,” Austin told Channel 2. “It allows equal protection for our employees to carry it they so choose.”
Those who wish to take their gun to work must have a concealed carry permit, notify their supervisor and pass a police training course.
Chief Robin Krockum, who supports the new policy, said the strict standards will be similar to what police officers are required to do.
“If something were to happen, they would be the first in the line of defense if something were to happen before we would get there,” he said.
Resident Peggy Johnson told Channel 2 if she came upon an active shooter situation and she had a gun, she would use it to protect herself.
But John Rainey, also a Demorest resident and a self-described war veteran, said the change isn’t a good idea.
“That’s stupid,” Rainey said. “It’s not that bad around here. I’ve been here for 40 years, and it ain’t that bad.”
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