November 19, 2011 Armed nuclear guard fights for concealed weapons permit www.privateofficer.com
John F. Kennedy, 48, of 719 Greenland Road, is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth District Court Tuesday when he’s expected to ask a judge to annul a 2001 denial of his license to carry a concealed weapon. If the judge does not agree to the annulment, Kennedy wrote to the court, he’ll appeal the 2001 denial.
According to court records, the denial was originally issued by then-Deputy Police Chief Michael Magnant, who subsequently served as police chief, then retired.
Magnant’s denial letter to Kennedy, filed at the city court, noted “several incidents involving you and this department” as the unspecific reason Kennedy could not have a gun license.
Court records show Kennedy appealed Magnant’s denial before Judge Sharon DeVries while presenting the court with a letter from a psychiatrist noting he was “not in need of anger management” and did not “suffer from impulse control problems.”
The judge denied the appeal on July 18, 2001.
Court records also show Kennedy reapplied for a license to carry a concealed weapon on June 29 of this year. On Aug. 5 he received another denial notice, this time from Chief Lou Ferland who cited Judge DeVries’ 2001 denial.
In a letter to the local court, Kennedy said he had a subsequent meeting with Ferland, during which he asked “what it would take” to prove to the city, the court and the police department that he’s suitable for a license to carry concealed.
Kennedy wrote that he’s worked in security for 26 years, is employed as an armed officer and is a member of several armed units affiliated with Seabrook Station.
He said he’s held an “armed license” issued by state police from 1987 through 2009 and has completed numerous classes in firearms safety and training.
Kennedy also noted in his letter to the court that he’s been subject to regular criminal background checks and psychological tests as part of his employment.
Ferland, wrote Kennedy, suggested he petition the local court. Judge Sawako Gardner has cited a conflict of interest with the case which is scheduled to be heard Nov. 15 by Judge Stephen Morrison.
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Uncategorized
