Dear Editor and Residents of Gilpin County,

As we mark the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, we are reminded of the ongoing gun violence and intolerance of others that has never gone away. We, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners, agree that there can be no tolerance for gun violence, violence generally, or racism in any form. Unfortunately, this year has seen a surge in gun violence and racism in our nation. There have been two mass shooting events this year in Colorado, one in the City of Boulder and the other in Colorado Springs. Nationally, 203 mass shootings have occurred this year with new ones happening weekly. (See https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/). Violence targeting African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other persons of color or sexual orientation in our nation is also rising. On January 6th of this year, our nation witnessed the violent attack on our country’s capitol. Now is the time when we need to come together as a nation to stand up to the rampant gun violence and racism that is infecting our society.

May was National Mental Health Awareness Month. Ensuring mental health and well-being is crucial in everyone’s lives. Mental health treatment should not be stigmatized but encouraged for all. We have counseling available to those who are depressed, angry, confused or need help with any other issues. The Colorado Crisis Services hotline is open 24/7 at 1-844-493-8255. Our Human Services Department is available to assist as well.

We also want to stress that another important tool in preventing gun is available to us all. This tool is Colorado’s Red Flag Law which is titled the “Deputy Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act” in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zachari Parrish. Deputy Parrish gave his life to protect others when he responded to a call for a mentally distressed individual who became an active shooter. The Red Flag Law allows family or household members or law enforcement officers to petition the court for a temporary protection order requiring any person in the household possessing a firearm who poses a significant risk to themselves or others to surrender their firearm temporarily until an expedited hearing is completed to determine if the risk exists. If the risk is found to exist, the person possessing the gun must relinquish the firearm for 364 days. Protection orders can be extended if necessary.

As your commissioners, we will not shy away from the issues of racism, mental health care and gun violence. Our Sheriff’s office is available to protect and serve our community. Being proactive in protecting Gilpin County before tragedy strikes is our goal. Please join us in being part of the solution in creating a peaceful and accepting community in Gilpin County. Thank you.

Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners

Linda Isenhart, Chair, District 2

Sandy Hollingsworth, District 3