Port Clinton lawyer, NRA instructor tells seniors how not to be victimized

DANBURY TOWNSHIP -- About two dozen people learned how to "Refuse to be a Victim" Monday night at the Danbury Senior Center.

Port Clinton attorney and National Rifle Association instructor Terry Rudes conducted the NRA crime prevention program, which was sponsored by the Danbury Township Police Department.

Rudes said someone who wants to commit a crime usually will, but people can make it much harder for them.

"Our best defense against criminal activity is mental preparedness," Rudes said.

He told program participants to be careful with their personal information, and be aware of the times and places they are the most vulnerable.

Rudes covered several topics, including different points of entry into a home, and the different sorts of locks.

"They're not going to keep anybody out unless you use it," he said.

He also discussed having a "safe room" in the house in case of intrusion.

"If you've got youngsters in the home, it changes your plan considerably," he said.

"Everybody should know what the plan is, what they're supposed to do, and you've got to practice to be sure everybody is gong to do it."

The safe room should have a flashlight and batteries, a set of home and car keys and protection devices.

"Have your cell phone charger on your night stand."

Rudes also talked about different types of personal protection devices.

"Whether it's pepper spray or it's a firearm, you've got to practice with it to see how it works," he said.

Home security systems can help, but only if law enforcement personnel respond in time.

"These burglars do not take long. They know their craft," Rudes said.

Noisy dogs can also be a good deterrent.

The instructor also discussed safety while traveling and driving, as well as personal safety.

He recommended the participants follow their intuition, and not give up if their safety is threatened.

"You never, ever, ever give up. Until you give up, you can win any fight."

He also discussed how to keep from falling victim to scams, and to protect one's identity while online.

Several times, the instructor reminded the participants to keep from assuming that crimes only happen to "the other guy."

Rudes said he will give another "Refuse to be a Victim" program in Elmore in the early fall.

"There were a number of different police departments that want the program, so we'll be doing it from one end of the county to the other," he said.

Danbury Township Police Department Police Chief Michael Meisler said he was happy with the turnout. Officer Josh Young, who is in charge of training for the department, said he wants to provide a seminar on self-defense for women in the future.

Although not mentioned in the article, Richard is also a NRA certified instructor and was helping with the class. :-) The article can be found here. The article includes a picture of dad teaching and was printed on the front page of todays paper (below the fold).

Ottawa County gun experts mostly happy with concealed carry

For those of you that are not local or just didn't see it, Richard & Terrence Rudes were recently interviewed for the Port Clinton News Herald. Sadly Richard wasn't mentioned but Terry made the front page.

Ottawa County gun experts mostly happy with concealed carry

By James Proffitt

PORT CLINTON --Attorney Terrence Rudes sometimes defends people who commit crimes with guns. Other times, he teaches people how to use and conceal them.

"I've taught concealed-carry classes since 2006," Rudes said. Although he's glad Ohio passed the law that allows citizens to carry guns, he does have issues with it.

"It's the only constitutional right that requires a permit," he said. "It would be like telling someone they have to get a permit to write newspaper articles."

Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton said he had issues about the law when the Ohio legislature passed it in 2004.

"I had concerns at first," Bratton said, "but since then we've had no issues."

According to Bratton, the state's sheriffs, who are responsible for issuing permits, were ill-prepared for the onslaught of paperwork the new law required them to complete.

In 2004, Ottawa County issued 391 permits. Sandusky County issued 187.

But seven years later, Bratton said the process has gone well and he supports the law.

"I've always been big on the second amendment," he said. "I think you should have the right to have guns."

In 2009 Ottawa and Sandusky counties issued 333 and 473 permits, respectively. The counties also renewed a total of 136 permits.

Although many Ohio law enforcement officials made their reservations about Ohioans carrying concealed guns known, most concerns never panned out.

"We've had no problems that I can speak of," Bratton said. "We've never had to go after a card."

Bratton said if a concealed-carry permit holder is arrested for domestic violence or certain other qualifying offenses, they must turn in their permit and weapons.

"They always come in," he said.

In 2009 Ottawa County denied, revoked or suspended a total of 23 permits, and Sandusky County seven.

But retired Ottawa County Common Pleas Court Judge Paul Moon said he thought in 2004 and still thinks it's a terrible idea.

"People shouldn't be carrying around weapons on their person or in their cars," he said.

Moon said during his time on the bench, he didn't have any concealed-carry permit-related cases in his courtroom. Bruce Winters, current common pleas court judge, said he's had just one, and that involved a man who obtained a permit without taking the required 12 hours training.

Dale Ottney, owner of Ottney's Guns in Fremont, said he thinks everyone should carry a weapon.

"A lot of people worry about being broken into and not being able to defend themselves," he said. "And when Obama was elected a whole lot of people came in."

Ottney said many Americans fear that government will curtail second amendment rights.

Both men and women come in, said Ottney.

"A lot of guys come in and buy for their women," he said. "I think I've had three or four couples come in together."

Ottney said 9-mm and .40 caliber are the most popular choices for customers buying guns for concealed carry.

According to Rudes, of the 142 people who have completed his concealed carry courses, 31 were female.

"We get a lot of women that come through," Bratton said. "Not that they're going to carry, but they always have the option."

Since 2004, Ohio sheriff's have issued more than 200,000 concealed-carry permits to its citizens, with more than 56,700 in 2009.

He even managed to have a picture and everything. The original can be found at: http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20101012/NEWS01/10120305