FireArm Upgrade

On May 19th, at the county commissioners meeting, Sheriff Bill Beam addressed the board of Commissioners to request funding. The purpose of this request was to change the main side arm carried by Deputy Sheriffs.

Lincoln County Deputies currently carry Glock 21 handguns, which are .45 caliber.  Many of these firearms were purchased in 2008 and are now in need of repair or replacement. 

The handgun the sheriff seeks to replace the Glock 21 with the Glock 45, which is chambered in 9mm. One of the reasons stated for the switch was a significant reduction in ammunition costs. Also, the new handguns will have a red dot sight fixed to them; which should allow for better accuracy for an officer if the need to use the firearm were to arise.

The current handguns carried by the officers will be sold to a firearms dealer and will not be sold to the general public. However, the officers carrying those handguns will have the opportunity to purchase them from the dealer. The current ammunition stock held by the Sheriff’s Department will be able to be traded in for the new caliber that will be needed.

The switch will cost the county $196,560. Commissioner Cesena noted, “I appreciate the forward thinking about the ammunition….it's a long term effect for the county…as well as an outstanding firearm for the deputies to be using.”

Commissioner Lineberger entertained a motion to approve the motion as presented. Commissioner Cesena made a motion, and the board voted unanimously to approve.

The change should be completed in four to five months, once the  firearms have been received and officers have been trained to use them.