Nice to meet you — I’m Dave Hoover.
As a police officer for over 31 years, I’ve been shot at a number of times. Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. It’s a choice and a privilege.
I’m writing to tell you that I support background checks on gun sales because as a police officer, I will do everything I can to make sure that my team of law enforcement officers keeps the public safe without being put at unnecessary risk. They’re my people — I love them, and I’m responsible for them.
I’m also writing to you because my nephew A.J. was doing what teenagers should be doing when he went to the movies in Aurora, Colorado almost two years ago. It’s one thing for an officer like me to be at the wrong end of a firearm, but that night, A.J. was murdered in an act of senseless gun violence — and it only drove home how urgent it is to get firearms out of the hands of dangerous people.
In Colorado, where we’ve implemented background checks, we’ve already stopped 167 people who shouldn’t own firearms from purchasing them.
That’s 167 fewer people putting my officers at risk — and 167 fewer chances that their families will have to feel the devastation of losing a loved one.
Look — I enjoy using firearms safely and responsibly. I’m a hunter who loves to take his family shooting in the mountains. I’m also a Republican — and have been since even before I was eligible to vote. But this isn’t about politics, it’s about common sense. My officers will tell you: Politics don’t mean a thing when you’re in a confrontation with a guy who has multiple felony warrants and a .40 caliber in his waistband.
This is about the men and women in all our police departments, their families, and the safety of all of our families.
When your job is to be in situations like these every day, you know that reducing gun violence is too important to leave to the politicians.
Thanks a lot. As a police officer, an uncle, and a parent I appreciate your support.
Take care,
Dave Hoover, Sergeant