So today while at office max, an employee (white male 70+ yr old) asked me "the question". Ya know, "what leo agency are you with?". I replied "none sir, I'm a piano teacher and volunteer paramedic".
He then gets the puzzled look "I'm retired county police but am still with the auxillary. I just saw you're carrying a sidearm and assumed" while pointing to my strong side.
"Yes sir I carry for the protection of myself and family. While my eventual goal is state police, piano lessons give me the income and flexibility to be able to work on my degree. As I'm sure you know, getting a CCDW is a pain in this state so I have to open carry until I go through the 6+ month process for a CCDW."
Nodding he says "Oh yeah yeah I gotcha. Yeah they make it really hard. Well stay safe, and try to stay cool out there".
I replied "yes sir I'll try. Have a good day sir."
There was more to the conversation, but that's the important parts. This whole time, he was smiling sincerely and we had a nice convo. Made me feel welcome to come back and shop there again. So I'm labeling this a good LEO encounter.
He then gets the puzzled look "I'm retired county police but am still with the auxillary. I just saw you're carrying a sidearm and assumed" while pointing to my strong side.
"Yes sir I carry for the protection of myself and family. While my eventual goal is state police, piano lessons give me the income and flexibility to be able to work on my degree. As I'm sure you know, getting a CCDW is a pain in this state so I have to open carry until I go through the 6+ month process for a CCDW."
Nodding he says "Oh yeah yeah I gotcha. Yeah they make it really hard. Well stay safe, and try to stay cool out there".
I replied "yes sir I'll try. Have a good day sir."
There was more to the conversation, but that's the important parts. This whole time, he was smiling sincerely and we had a nice convo. Made me feel welcome to come back and shop there again. So I'm labeling this a good LEO encounter.