Lorain County Swamped By Cuyahoga County Applicants

Temporary hours adopted as deputies try to catch up

Ohioans For Concealed Carry has learned that due to an overwhelming
amount of applications received, the Lorain County Sheriff's Office is
being forced to temporarily reduce the number of days per week they will
be accepting applications for concealed handgun licenses.

Captain Drozdowski stated in a phone conversation that they have
assigned additional deputies to handle the deluge of applications, and
are struggling to meet the 45 day deadline. To date, more than 1,200
applications have been received, with nearly a dozen more coming in
every day. Drozdowski reports that more than 50% of these applications
are from neighboring Cuyahoga County, where resistance from Sheriff
McFaul has alienated many of his own residents.

Captain Drozdowski stressed that this is only a temporary reduction
until they are able to get caught up on processing. The new hours will
be 8am to 6pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Lorain County Sheriffs Department has been outstanding in every
aspect of the new concealed carry application process, with the only
drawback being the length of time to issue. With the early refusal of
Cuyahoga County Sheriff McFaul refusing to issue, Lorain County has
basically been processing two counties worth of applicants. They are
making every effort to comply, and are asking everyone to be patient and
understanding, even if your 45 day window is quickly approaching or has
been exceeded.

Ohioans For Concealed Carry also asks that all Lorain County applicants
please exercise patience. This office is on our side, and is making an
honest effort to comply while ensuring that licenses are only issued to
qualified applicants. They have even taken to making personal phone
calls to follow up on records checks that are slow to arrive.

UPDATE: Geauga County Sheriff Daniel McClelland has informed OFCC his office has been processing applications well-within the required 45-day window. Geauga County which borders Cuyahoga to the east, is ready and willing to assist with overflow from Cuyahoga County.

Lake Co. Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap has also informed OFCC that they would be happy to take some Cuyahoga Co. residents. Lake Co., which borders Cuyahoga to the northeast, issues CHLs to qualified applicants in about two weeks.

June 16, 2004: Lorain Morning Journal - Weapon permit requests piling up

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Cuyahoga Sheriff can't avoid duty under law; settles concealed carry lawsuit