Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd is encouraging his constituents to purchase and carry a firearm. His reasoning? He wants residents in his area to be prepared in case there is a chance of an active shooter.

“The armed assailant doesn’t plan on you fighting back,” Judd told FOX 13.  “He plans on having a gun, doing all the shooting, and you’re just a sitting duck. Well, the ducks need to shoot back.”

According to Sheriff Judd, residents should have a concealed carry permit (CCP) and they should regularly carry their firearm if they possess a CCP.

“If you’re not afraid of a gun, get one,” said the sheriff. “And if you need to shoot somebody, shoot ‘em a lot.”

In addition to encouraging residents to take their safety into their own hands, Sheriff Judd has done something others in his position have yet to do: train and deputize school officials.

Currently, Judd is working with faculty at Southeastern University to properly train them to use a firearm. As soon as there is an active shooter on campus at SU, faculty and staff are deputized, meaning they are allowed to use their firearm in self-defense.

Watch Sheriff Judd’s interview with FOX 13: