In Mendota Heights, as with many cities across the country, police officers are allowed to carry department-issued firearms when they leave work – not only for officer safety, but also because they can be called upon to act when they are off duty.
“As we send department-issued firearms home with officers, many of whom have young children in their homes, it is our responsibility to provide a safe place for that duty weapon to be stored,” said Chief Kelly McCarthy. To accomplish this, the City of Mendota Heights reimburses officers up to $200 toward the purchase of an at-home gun safe.
“We call this initiative Project 2020,” said Chief McCarthy, “Because that’s the year when the Center for Disease Control declared firearms as the leading cause of death among children in the United States.”
To bring further attention to this public safety issue, Mendota Heights officers wear commemorative patches each year in the month of June, in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
What You Can Do:
- Always keep firearms properly stored in a gun safe.
- Promptly report any missing or stolen firearms.
- Talk with children about firearms safety.
You can also purchase a Project 2020 commemorative patch to help support this initiative! Patches are $10 and can be purchased at the Par 3 Community Clubhouse (1695 Dodd Rd.).
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Project2020