(NJ) LEO Killed While Cleaning Gun

G

Gusgus

New member
44 year old West Deptford Officer Dechen, died yesterday, after accidently shooting himself in the abdomen, while cleaning his service Sig. This one hits a little close to home. Officer Dechen, had just returned to the station, after qualifying at the range I'm a member of. He was cleaning his Sig at the station, when he accidently discharged it.

I'm posting this as a reminder to all of us, no matter how experienced we are, to never become casual, when it comes to gun safety. Check the chamber, check the chamber, check the chamber! Never point a gun toward you, or anyone else - EVER! We all know the rules, but we all need to be reminded from time to time.

I don't recall if I've ever shot along side of Officer Dechen, as I don't really remember the vast majority of good officers that handle themselves professionally. But I have shot alongside young "hotshots" from his department, that have scared me half to death with their gun handling. Hopefully this tragic accident, will awaken these young officers, to the fact that even though they are LEO, they're not bullet or accident proof. Maybe through this, they, and us, will be reminded to treat our weapons, with the reverence respect they deserve. I know I will.

[This message has been edited by Gusgus (edited October 19, 2000).]
 
A sad reminder indeed. The armorer in one of my Army units had a big red sign on his tool bench:

IS THE CHAMBER EMPTY?
ARE YOU SURE?
WILL YOU BET YOUR LIFE ON IT?

I might just whip up a copy and glue it inside the lid of my cleaning kit.

My condolences to Officer Dechen's family.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by David Scott:

IS THE CHAMBER EMPTY?
ARE YOU SURE?
WILL YOU BET YOUR LIFE ON IT?
[/quote]

Hadn't thought about that. Damn good idea. I'm going to make one up for my reloading/cleaning bench and also for the door of my safe.

M1911
 
Hom said it well. We are diminished. :(

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Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
A lot of firearms instructors are now teaching folks to not only visually check that a weapon is cleared but also to physically check it. The contention is that if the lights are dim and impairs visibility or if one is tired (and the mind plays tricks on the eyes), a finger sweep (chamber and magazine well or cylinder) is something which is positively ensures that the weapon is unloaded.
 
Really sorry to read that... R.I.P.

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John/az
"When freedom is at stake, your silence is not golden, it's yellow..." RKBA!

See The Legacy of Gun Control film at: www.cphv.com

Do it for the children...
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 4V50 Gary:
A lot of firearms instructors are now teaching folks to not only visually ... a finger sweep (chamber and magazine well or cylinder) is something which is positively ensures that the weapon is unloaded.[/quote]

I thought I was the only one that did this. I never believe my .45 USPc to be clear until I have stuffed my pinkie in the chamber. This is a little bit tougher on 9mm's, at least for my chubby hands.
 
Dont check just once also, I check it atleast twice!!! Cant be to careful!

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Dead [Black Ops]
 
Gusgus,
In our first aid class today, in the general area of gun wounds, I read from your post and we discussed firearm safety for about 20 minutes.

Thanks for the story.
 
Sad indeed.

I grew up in West Deptford and my parents still live there. Some how makes it more sobering.




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“This is my rifle, there many like it but this one is mine …”
 
It's always sad to see an LEO die, no matter what the cause.

We had an officer in my town get burned recently when he tried to take his gun apart to clean it after qualifications and it went off. He had his hand near the end of the barrel, luckily did not get hit.

Sad reminders that safety can never be relaxed around firearms.

Frosty
 
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