Gov. Wolf grants 5th extension to renew firearms carry permits

Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to grant a fifth consecutive extension to renew firearms carry permits through March 31 couldn’t have been more timely, according to Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert.

The previous extension was set to expire Dec. 31 and Albert said his two deputies assigned the “appointment only” permit office have been swamped with inquiries and applicants over the past several weeks.

“I have had two deputies assigned to it 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, plus since September we added evening hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m. and still all of our available slots are booked for the next two months,” Albert said.

The extension is necessary due to the closure of some county courthouses and sheriff’s offices, as well as other ongoing covid-19 mitigation efforts, the governor’s office said Monday.

In Pennsylvania, a person age 21 or older may apply for a license to carry firearms by submitting a completed application to the sheriff of the county in which they live, or, if a resident of a First Class city, with the chief of police.

The sheriff has 45 days to investigate and determine an individual’s eligibility to be issued a license, which is valid for five years.

The license is required to carry a firearm concealed on one’s person or in a vehicle. Anyone who carries a firearm without a valid license can be charged with a third-degree felony.

The county sheriff’s popular satellite firearm permit program was suspended earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Westmoreland residents are asked to fill out the application prior to their appointment.

Two personal character references are required for first-time applicants, according to the sheriff. The references cannot include immediate family.

Applicants must appear in person at the sheriff’s office in the courthouse on North Main Street in Greensburg with the application, references, current driver’s license and $20 fee.

For more information, visit psp.pa.gov.