Lilburn Police Chief On Rifle-Carrying Officers: 'We Will Be Prepared'

LILBURN, GA — Lilburn Police Chief Chris Dusik on Thursday addressed public concerns regarding stationed officers carrying rifles on their body armor at local events.

The Multi-Jurisdictional Special Response Team has placed these officers at city-sponsored events, such as the Christmas Parade and Rock the Park, much to the dismay of residents.

Against eye rolls from the public, Dusik said he believes this security measure is necessary to prioritize public safety.

This comes amid a deadly New Year's Day terrorist attack that killed 14 people and injured 35 others along New Orleans' Bourbon Street.

Dusik said incidents, such as that in New Orleans, are too familiar.

"I often see people pass by and roll their eyes or hear remarks like, 'Is that really necessary,'" Dusik said in a statement. "Like many of you, I was shocked and saddened to hear about the attack during the New Year celebration in New Orleans. Innocent lives were taken for no reason other than evil. Unfortunately, such events have become far too common in public gatherings. There are countless examples of these incidents occurring wherever large numbers of people congregate."

Lilburn's Sparkle in the Park, occurring in July, gathers about 10,000 people annually, Dusik said. While the goal of such events is to create a family-friendly atmosphere, Dusik deemed public safety of great importance.

Officers can either take what Dusik called an "ostrich effect," where he said they could bury their heads and pretend as if someone would not desire to harm the community, or they could be trained and prepared.

Dusik said he preferred to have his officers trained.

"Therefore, when asked, 'Is that really necessary,' my answer is: I hope it isn't, but we will always be prepared," Dusik said. "Let us all keep the families of those affected in New Orleans in our prayers. I wish our citizens and community a safe and prosperous new year."