More than a "security guard"

[ATM]

Opinion: OPINION: More than a ‘security guard’ | assam, security, guard - Opinion - Gazette.com

OPINION: More than a ‘security guard’

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December 8, 2008 - 7:22 PM


An armed psychopath killed two teenagers a year ago, after he showed up at New Life Church heavily armed with two handguns, a rifle, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and a plan to shoot up the congregation of thousands.
The psycho's rampage was quickly foiled when a member of the congregation, Jeanne Assam, pulled her own handgun and stopped him. Her quick and brave actions disabled the man, leaving him to take his own life.
This week, residents of the Pike Peak region should maintain a place of sadness in their hearts for the deaths of Rachel and Stephanie Works, ages 16 and 18 respectively, who were shot in the parking lot before the killer entered the church. And we should all give solemn thanks, once again, for Jeanne Assam.
Assam has been treated respectfully by the media, but she hasn't been praised enough. In a more common-sense world, she'd have been the cover of every mainstream magazine under the banner headline "hero." Instead, Assam has been characterized thousands of times in media stories as a "security guard," and a former big city cop who performed well under pressure. This portrayal, while technically accurate, can be counterproductive.
Assam was a "security guard" only in the loosest sense the phrase. She wasn't paid. She didn't have a badge. She wasn't wearing a uniform. If she was a "security guard," so is any citizen who's licensed to carry a gun.
Assam did not credit her past work as a Minneapolis cop, or her weapons training, for her actions last year. She credited only God, who "guided me and protected me."
Assam was more an ordinary member of the congregation than she was a security guard.
She was a citizen who took the responsibility to apply for and purchase a permit to carry a handgun concealed. She did this not for financial gain or personal aggrandizement, as neither comes with spending money for a permit to hide a tool. So what was Assam's motive for carrying a gun to church? It was the selfless motive of saving lives, just because it's the right thing to do.
When remembering the tragedy of Dec. 9, 2007, remember it like this: A year ago, a private citizen with a gun saved the lives of hundreds of people a deranged gunman planned to kill. The woman, with only a small-caliber handgun and a few rounds, stopped a heavily-armed maniac. A year ago, an ordinary person put her life on the line so that others might live.
Jeanne Assam did what any level-headed, responsible citizen could do with the proper preparation and motivation. Do not remember her actions as the work of just some "security guard."
We don't need more cops and security guards to keep us safe. We need more responsible, ordinary, average citizens to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and others - as Jeanne Assam did.

Found the link to this great opinion piece on another forum. How many newspapers in Indiana need more of these?

 

[esrice]

Wow! Well said!

 

[Disposable Heart]

Good read, repped!

 

[Drail]

Calling her a "security guard" is a total insult.