TAMPA — A local VA Police training officer is encouraging veterans to use free cable gun locks available at VA facilities nationwide, saying the device once helped change his mind during a suicidal crisis.
Lt. Brian Haase said he has spent much of his life around firearms, first while serving in the Air Force and now as a training officer for the VA Police.
Haase said he supports the use of gun locks, especially for veterans. He said that at his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, but having a gun lock on his firearm made a difference.
“Knowing that I had this on my firearm actually changed my mind,” Haase said.
VA psychologist Stephanie Miller said the suicide rate for veterans is more than twice as high as it is for civilians. She said the VA started distributing gun locks about 10 years ago to give gun owners more time to consider their actions during a crisis.
“Three-quarters of veteran deaths by suicide are by firearm,” Miller said. “So if we can get veterans to store their firearms a little bit differently, and that involves adding some time and space between the veteran in crisis and their firearm, we can make a difference.”
Miller said not keeping firearms loaded and storing ammunition separately can also give people additional time to think through their actions.
Haase said he has seen the impact of suicide through his work and personal life.
“I’ve witnessed it on the job, I’ve witnessed it in my personal life, I’ve been around it too much,” Haase said. “So any additional safety that can go into place to help prevent veteran suicide, I’m all for.”
Haase said it can be difficult for many veterans to talk about suicide. He said he hopes more education can help reduce the stigma around the topic.
“What makes somebody strong is knowing when they’re at that low point, and they’re willing to reach out for help, they’re willing to talk to somebody and get that assistance to be built back up,” Haase said.