Shopkeeper’s Defense Though Lawful, Violates Company Policy

It is a story heard more often than not. Last year, Shannon “Bear” Cochron was robbed at knifepoint while on duty at a New Hampshire gas station. Well, it’s more accurate to say that the robber was attempted to rob Cochron at knifepoint.

When the heavily masked would-be robber approached, Cochrane quickly produced his Ruger pistol and threatened the robber to leave. After slowly backing away from the store clerk, the robber fled the premise.

While the police in the small New Hampshire town commended Cochrane on knowing when it was appropriate to use the weapon, his employers terminated Cochrane for violating company policy. According to said policy, employees are prohibited from carrying firearms to work.

Though the circumstances around his termination seem outrageous, the “at-will” presumption in much of the country allows for Cochron to be fired for any reason or no reason at all, as so long as it does not violate public policy (i.e. termination based on discrimination or whistleblowing). While it was within Cochron’s rights as a citizen to bear arms and defend himself, it was outside the gas station company’s policy for an employee.

Don’t be worried about Cochron though. When the incident first broke, Cochron commented, “I would rather find a new job than either be in a hospital bed or in a coffin.” Well said, Mr. Bear.

Source: Washington Times