Kennebec County Sheriff Randy Liberty is Okay After Taking a .45 Bullet to the Back

Thank God for body armor!  Kennebec County Sheriff Randy Liberty was hit in the back by a bullet from a .45 caliber handgun during qualifications yesterday at a range in Gardiner but was only bruised thanks to the armor he was wearing.

Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Morelli accidentally discharged the round while working on technique with another deputy.  Morelli is a court security officer who has been with the department for 15 years, according to an article in the Kennebec Journal.  Morelli, who said he was embarrassed by the incident, said at first, he didn't even realize his weapon went off adding, "it was poor judgment on my part."

As someone who handles similar handguns as a hobby, I can see how easy it would be for something like this to happen and these accidental discharges happen more often than most people know.  Bottom line, nobody got killed and anyone who hunts, plinks, carries or works professionally with handguns should keep in mind that guns can be dangerous and just a second of distraction can lead to unintended, catastrophic consequences.

If you own handguns or use them and have never taken a concealed carry course, take one whether you intend to carry of not.  It could save your or someone else's life.  Personally, I would recommend Chuck Cabaniss, a former police officer, who owns Fox Firearms right in Vassalboro. For just over a hundred bucks and a few hours invested, you can feel secure in your ability to know and handle firearms properly.