Adding to the local and national discussion on guns, a local sheriff is making his voice heard.

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell is trying to ease the concerns of those who believe their rights may be taken away by writing a letter to the citizens of Grimes County spelling out his position on gun control.

“I, Donald G. Sowell, Sheriff of Grimes County, Texas, have sworn an oath as a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and a career Texas Peace Officer to uphold and defend the sacred Constitutions of the United States and the Great State of Texas,” the note begins.

Sheriff Sowell says he's not anti-government; he's for the people...the law abiding, responsible people.

"I symbolize law enforcement in this county and I just want to get that message out,” said Sheriff Sowell. “A good citizen wants to go out and collect a machine gun, or a tank, and has done the paper work with ATF and all that. My god, it would be a bad situation to make them a criminal.”

Sheriff Sowell agrees that something should be done to reduce gun violence, but putting more restrictions on law-abiding citizens is not the answer. He says enforcing the current laws, longer prison sentences, and institutionalizing people with mental health issues would be a more effective way of addressing the problem.

“As your sheriff, I will resist any unlawful attempts to confiscate, disarm, or impose unconstitutional orders on our citizens,” writes Sheriff Sowell in the letter.

Sheriff Sowell says he'll uphold the law if gun policies change. That's why he says it’s so important for people to communicate their concerns to lawmakers now.

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Full letter:

"I, Donald G. Sowell, Sheriff of Grimes County, Texas, have sworn an oath as a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and a career Texas Peace Officer to uphold and defend the sacred Constitutions of the United States and the Great State of Texas.

Our country has been victimized by deadly violence. Measures to prevent this problem need to be addressed and implemented once and for all by our lawmakers. We should not allow good, responsible, law abiding citizens to be punished with increased restrictions and imposed laws on our right to keep and bear arms, a trust given to us as citizens by the Second Amendment.

As your Sheriff, I will resist any unlawful attempt to confiscate, disarm or impose unconstitutional orders upon our citizens. I ask you to stay aware of the gun control issues and communicate your concerns to your legislators. Your support of the Office of Sheriff and what it stands for is important and I will ensure that every measure is taken to protect your rights and give you the quality of life and liberty that you and your family deserve.

Sincerely,
Donald G. Sowell"