So here is the bit longer version of the story. My father was a federal firearms instructor and taught me shooting from the age of 10 or so how to shoot everything from his service Sig and hunting rifles to fun things he'd bring home like raid shotguns and UZIs. I consider myself very competent with a variety of firearms and while not formally trained, insist on acting as RSO when I go out shooting with a bunch of friends because irresponsible range behavior just bothers me to the core (as it should anyone).
Because of that history, I have never sought formal education. I am licensed/permitted in three states and consider myself a well-read individual on the laws of the states in which I carry (had a cop ask me if I was a lawyer during one of my few LEO encounters). The only formal training I ever did was for my Utah permit as it requires a very specific Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) approved course and their specific documentation. My permit is less than 10 years old and so I approached the Sheriff to see if my valid UT permit along with a copy of the curriculum for the UT course would suffice for proof of training. After reviewing the curriculum, he said that he would accept that and to include a note saying that he said so in my application.
I submitted my application with another copy of my UT permit and a note reminding him of our conversation. When I asked how long it would take for a turnaround, I was told 90 days. I said I understood that by statute they had 90 days to issue or deny but was curious what the typical return timeframe is and was again told, "we have 90 days."
So I gave them 90 days. On day 91, I called and asked and was told the Sheriff was out of town. When I pressed about the 90 day issue, I was told that I didn't include a training certificate (technically true) and when I explained about what the Sheriff had said, I was told I'd have to talk to him specifically. When he got back, he had his secretary call me and specifically say he would not issue without a copy of the certificate (the original BCI course certificate goes to BCI in Utah as I recall).
So, I could press the 90 day issue but then I imagine it would simply be rejected. So rather than raise a fuss, be denied (some states ask if you've ever been denied a permit), and lose the application money, I'll play the game his way. I found someone who will do the training for a reasonable price and will provide the certificate.
The next battle will be whether I have to come in for the picture or pick it up in person as I am out of town during all business hours for my job.
