Glenwood Springs—Like most of his law enforcement colleagues in Colorado, Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario is opposed to the so-called “Red Flag” bill that aims to keep guns out of the hands of people considered a danger to themselves or others. Some counties and sheriffs are threatening to defy the law by declaring themselves as 2nd Amendment sanctuaries and refusing to enforce the law. Vallario says he is not among them. He says if House Bill 1177 becomes law, he has no choice, based on his oath of office, to uphold it. The “Extreme Risk Protection Order” (ERPO) bill would allow an officer, deputy, relative or household member to petition to make a case that a person is disturbed and is not safe around firearms. Ultimately, a judge would decide if the case is strong enough to remove the guns for up to 364 days. Vallario says the bill misses it’s intended target. He says it focuses more on removing guns and fails to address the bottom line issue…mental health. Vallario says there is also the question of Due Process under the Constitution. Opponents of the bill are likely to challenge it in court if it becomes law.
