SPRING VALLEY – Rockland residents turned in 67 firearms to police during the latest voluntary collection.
The county’s cost for removing the guns from the streets and potentially saving some lives was $7,800, Sheriff’s Office Chief Theodore Brovarski said.
Residents who surrendered firearms during the community gun buyback received prepaid gift cards. The event took place June 6 at St. Joseph’s Church on Main Street.
The Sheriff’s Office reported the breakdown: 4 assault rifles; 29 pistols; 32 rifles and shotguns; and two antique or non-working rifles.
People also turned in several swords and other edged weapons for destruction, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
People who gave up arms remained anonymous. Payments for surrendered weapons: $250 for assault rifles; $150 for pistols, $75 for rifles or shotguns; and $25 for non-working or antique weapons.
Prior coverage: Law enforcement agencies in Rockland want to buy firearms from residents to make the streets safer
Sheriff Louis Falco said removing illegal possession of guns and other firearms from the streets makes the public safer.
“Gun violence continues to pose a public safety threat to the residents of Rockland County and our state,” Falco said. “Last night, working with our partners in Spring Valley and the State Police, along with the District Attorney’s Office, we removed 67 firearms from our streets, weapons that could have potentially been used in criminal and other violent acts.”
The collection came during National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations. Reach him out slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland NY Police Collect 67 Firearms During Gun Return Day
