SIDNEY -- A program is in place to help people safety secure firearms during times of crisis.

The Cheyenne County Veteran Service Office (VSO) has partnered with the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, the Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Highby Outdoors and the Cheyenne County Sheriff to provide a safe and secure way to “delay lethal means.”  

A gun safe purchased at Highby Outdoors will be kept in the Cheyenne County Courthouse (Sheriff’s Office), where veterans/persons in crisis can temporarily store their “lethal means,” firearms. The firearms can be checked in whenever the gun owner feels it necessary and can be retrieved during the Sheriff Office’s normal working hours. This is also a safe place to store firearms that have been removed from the home in the event that a child is in crisis and the parent wishes to create a “gun free home.

 “This is in no way a gun grab. We want to provide a 'delay' so issues have a chance to be resolved and persons in crisis have a chance to decompress and get the help that they need," said Cheyenne County Veteran Service Officer Fred Wiedeburg, a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and avid gun owner. 

Suicide is a global public health issue that affects millions of lives each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 700,000 people die from suicide annually, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In many cases, suicide is preceded by significant mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. One of the most effective strategies in preventing suicide is to delay or limit access to means of self-harm.

Research has shown that the availability of lethal means, such as firearms, medications, or poisons, significantly increases the risk of death by suicide. Conversely, temporarily removing or restricting access to these means can drastically reduce suicide rates. For instance, studies have found that a delay in access to the means of suicide can give a person time to reconsider their decision or seek help. In cases where immediate access is prevented, many individuals survive their suicidal crisis and go on to recover with the right intervention and support. 

Whitney Whatley, the VSO Office Manager, is also a member of the local suicide awareness and support group, Be Here. This group organizes fundraising events throughout the year to help bring in speakers and host suicide prevention and awareness initiatives. Raising awareness about suicide and its warning signs is essential in preventing it.

Many individuals who die by suicide give warning signs through changes in behavior, mood, or communication. These can include withdrawal from social activities, sudden personality changes, or talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden to others. However, these signs can often go unnoticed or be dismissed, leading to missed opportunities for intervention. 

By educating people about the signs of distress and encouraging open conversations about mental health, society can reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. This creates an environment where individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and discussing their struggles openly. 

If you wish to “safekeep” a firearm at the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, call 308.254.2922 or stop by the sheriff’s office at 1000 10th Ave., Sidney, (southwest door of courthouse) to make arrangements. Please do not bring the actual firearms with you into the building. A deputy will escort you to prevent citizens from entering and walking about in the Courthouse with a firearm, causing undue concern within the courthouse building.