Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN News

Political Report: One On One With Chuck Canterbury, National President, Fraternal Order Of Police

Thursday, June 16, 2011

On Capitol Hill, the battle to protect the Second Amendment can be a lonely one. In the 1980s, anti-gun groups tried to make it even lonelier by launching a major effort to split rank-and-file law enforcement officers away from the NRA by manufacturing bogus issues such as "plastic guns" and "cop-killer bullets"—both ultimately resolved with NRA-drafted legislation.

NRA and the nation`s largest police group, the Fraternal Order of Police, have worked together on numerous issues, and thanks to the leadership of FOP National President Chuck Canterbury our working relationship is now stronger than ever.

Chuck is a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, including serving as the firearm instructor for his department in Horry County, S.C. He chartered the Local Coastal Carolina FOP lodge in 1984 and rose through the FOP ranks to become national president in 2003. Canterbury`s son is following in his footsteps by serving with the Horry County Police Department. They also share a passion for waterfowl hunting in the Myrtle Beach area, where they both live.

I was pleased to catch up with Chuck when he visited Washington recently.

Cox: "Chuck, it`s great to visit with you. The NRA has been honored to work directly with you and the FOP on issues like the Tiahrt Amendment, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, microstamping and countless others. Our members very much appreciate your support."

Canterbury: "Chris, it`s not only a pleasure; it`s a duty for us at FOP to support policies that protect our nation`s law enforcement officers—but also protect the rights of law-abiding citizens."

Cox: "On the Tiahrt Amendment, you showed particular courage. Michael Bloomberg organized his anti-gun mayors to pressure their police chiefs into supporting the release of sensitive firearms trace data. Many big city police chiefs gave in to that. But you spoke up forcefully, explaining that releasing the data would jeopardize investigations and endanger undercover officers. Bloomberg called the FOP a `fringe group` for telling the truth about that."

Canterbury: "If standing up for officer safety makes the FOP a fringe group, then so be it. The real fringe group is the reckless politicians who interfere with law enforcement. I can`t just stand by while politicians grandstand over our issues without understanding the real-world implications."

Cox: "You`ve also spent a lot of time reminding members of Congress that FOP members are gun owners who support the Second Amendment. In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you said `I take a back seat to no one in my reverence for the Second Amendment.`"

Canterbury: "That`s correct. I meant it then and I mean it now. Our members and your members share many of the same beliefs about guns and crime. Many department chiefs are political, and they go with the anti-gun line, especially in the big cities. But our members in the rank and file know the reality on the streets."

Cox: "That`s exactly what NRA members in law enforcement are always telling me. And that`s why our legislative agendas often come together."

Canterbury: "Yes. And we also appreciate that the NRA cares about law enforcement concerns. When the media began reporting on massive layoffs of police officers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the NRA weighed in, reminding the mayor that fewer cops mean more criminals on the streets. The NRA also supported FOP on passing the Law Enforcement Officers` Safety Act, and your support was critical to its passage."

Cox: "I know our members appreciate what your members do to keep our communities safe. And I`m proud of the relationship we have on legislative issues."

Canterbury: "It`s a great relationship, and I hope to maintain it for a long time. This Congress is already debating issues that would have an impact on both our memberships, and I look forward to seeing you on Capitol Hill so we can continue working together."

IN THIS ARTICLE
Crime & Criminal Justice
TRENDING NOW
Biden’s Executive Order Targeting Gun Ownership

News  

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Biden’s Executive Order Targeting Gun Ownership

On Tuesday, Joe Biden issued an executive order on gun control that could accurately be described as a mile wide and an inch deep.

Columnist thinks gun owners can be shamed out of their rights

News  

Monday, March 20, 2023

Columnist thinks gun owners can be shamed out of their rights

At least one of the joyless scolds that predominate in gun control circles thinks they’ve stumbled onto a novel anti-gun tactic. According to Colorado Newsline Editor Quentin Young, gun control supporters should try to shame gun ...

Updates to ATF Final Rule on Stabilizing Braces

News  

Monday, January 30, 2023

Updates to ATF Final Rule on Stabilizing Braces

On Monday, January 30, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) published the final Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces” rule for public inspection in the federal register.

U.S. Taxpayers Funding “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation Orders

News  

Monday, March 20, 2023

U.S. Taxpayers Funding “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation Orders

Texans are paying for so-called “Red Flag” gun confiscation orders in New York. North Carolinians are bankrolling Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs) in New Jersey. Louisianans are footing the bill for gun confiscation orders in Maryland.

Florida: Senate’s Constitutional Carry Passes Committee

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Florida: Senate’s Constitutional Carry Passes Committee

Today, the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee voted 11-6 to approve Senate Bill 150, constitutional carry, with an amendment aligning the language with the House’s version. It will now go to the full Senate for further consideration.

Washington: Senate Committee Hearing California-Style Gun Ban & Waiting Period Bills

Friday, March 17, 2023

Washington: Senate Committee Hearing California-Style Gun Ban & Waiting Period Bills

On March 23rd, at 8:00AM, the Senate Committee on Law & Justice will hear House Bill 1240, a comprehensive gun ban bill, and House Bill 1143, to impose a waiting period and training mandate for acquiring ...

The New Mexico Legislature Finishes Its 2023 Regular Session

Sunday, March 19, 2023

The New Mexico Legislature Finishes Its 2023 Regular Session

The New Mexico Legislature wrapped up at noon on Saturday, March 18.  Below is a list of gun control bills which passed and extreme anti-gun legislation which NRA-ILA worked to defeat with pro-Second Amendment lawmakers, members of the firearms ...

Michigan: Senate Passes Gun Control Schemes

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Michigan: Senate Passes Gun Control Schemes

Today, the Senate passed anti-gun bill packages to criminalize private transfers, require firearms be made unavailable for self-defense, and allow Second Amendment rights to be suspended without due process. They will now move to the House for further ...

Washington: Updates on Anti-Gun Bills

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Washington: Updates on Anti-Gun Bills

Three major anti-gun bills still remain active in the Legislature, while others are likely defeated for the session. The NRA provided testimony and strong, united opposition to these bills throughout the legislative process thus far.

Florida: House Judiciary Passes Constitutional Carry

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Florida: House Judiciary Passes Constitutional Carry

Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted 17-6 to advance House Bill 543, the constitutional carry bill. It will now go to the House floor for debate.

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.