Letter: Oath of duty

Monday, January 21, 2013

As a citizen of the United States, I am proud of the deep-rooted patriotism of my forefathers. Many lives have been sacrificed in order to maintain the liberty which we all enjoy, including those of many of my ancestors.

I was deeply saddened by recent tragedies such as those in Colorado and at Sandy Hook. However, I am troubled by the fact that our legislators are rushing to strip away the constitutional rights of the American people. The media attempts to reinforce a need for more strict gun control, yet anyone who spends any amount of time seeking the truth will quickly see that the vast majority of U.S citizens are adamantly opposed to it. More shocking to me is our president’s willingness to rule the people through executive orders and forced legislation. In light of these recent events, I took some time to think, and really reflect upon my motivations for becoming a police officer. I also spent a great deal of time defining what my oath as a police officer means to me, and more importantly, what it means to the public which I swore to serve. I have come to the following conclusion:

I swore to serve and protect the public, and to uphold the Constitution of the United States, as well as the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. My personal values, beliefs and integrity will not allow me to violate the core meaning of this oath. Because of this, I will refuse to participate in the confiscation of any firearms that are lawfully owned by U.S citizens. I will not enforce any unconstitutional law or executive order which does not respect the rights of citizens in regards to firearms registration, possession, or any other right which is granted by the U.S Constitution.

I ask that my brothers and sisters in law enforcement support me in this. Remember your oath, and please do the right thing.

CHARLES M. RICKO

Charlemont

sandman wrote:
29/01/2013

I would Like to applaud your letter titled Oath of Duty. I took the oath to protect and uphold the Constitution way back in 1973 when I joined the service. At that very moment I understood the gravity of the commitment I was making. I have never regretted taking that oath and was never told that once taken those words I swore to would ever expire. I'm glad to hear of a person that still takes this action serious. I have had the pleasure of meeting several Police Officers that are alarmed at the politicians trampling our rights as you are. Thank you Officer! We need millions more like you.
Jpalm wrote:
29/01/2013

I have read that mindless robot's response to this letter. Stick to your guns brother, and do the right thing no matter the cost. There are a lot of us out here that support you.
Teri9653 wrote:
28/01/2013

Why you should be armed as a citizen Police have no legal duty to respond and prevent crime or protect the victim. Warren v. District of Columbia, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. 1981). "...a government and its agencies are under no general duty to provide public services, such as police protection, to any particular individual citizen..." -Warren v. District of Columbia, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. App. 1981). "Law enforcement agencies and personnel have no duty to protect individuals from the criminal acts of others; instead their duty is to preserve the peace and arrest law breakers for the protection of the general public." Lynch v. N.C. Dept. of Justice, 376 S.E. 2nd 247 (N.C. App. 1989).
USMC_OATHKEEPER wrote:
28/01/2013

Officer Ricko, I applaud your courage to do the right thing. There are a tremendous amount of people out there wondering who or when to stand up and say - ENOUGH is ENOUGH. You may receive resistance from weaker and more ignorant people, but chances are, they weren't sincere when they took that sacred Oath. Bear in mind that the weak who oppose your demonstration of patriotism are by far outnumbered by those who support your valiant effort. We, the Oath Keepers, have one voice and most importantly, we have your back. Good luck, and God Speed.
TRM wrote:
25/01/2013

Thank you for choosing this stance. I'm hoping other Law Enforcement Officers will do the same. The legislation that is being pushed through is just a "Look, we did something" piece. There are far better ways to stop criminals. Taking away ones ability to defend themselves, or more precisely, telling someone what they can and can't defend themselves with is the OPPOSITE of what should be done. Criminals will still get and use the implements they want regardless of any law. TRM
bfcbiker wrote:
22/01/2013

AMEN
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