Refusing to Live in Fear
Over the past couple months, we are sharing stories from our members about their personal journeys of firearms ownership and training. Sometimes we face extreme circumstances that change our lives forever. This is Sherry’s story, one that some of you may have heard in the news. We are grateful that she is willing to share this with us.
On September 11th, 1988 I said goodbye to my best friend, for the last time. Melissa Ann Tremblay was found killed at the railroad tracks in Lawrence MA days later. I was 10 years old. I am 40 now and her killer has never been charged.
A couple years ago, another young woman from my childhood hometown began a social media campaign to find Melissa’s killer. I was being tagged in almost every post because I was known to be Melissa’s best friend. Leads and vital information came in because of the social media campaign. The case became active again after nearly 30 years of being cold. The Lawrence Police Dept and the FBI got involved. Persons of interest were named. I was asked to do a WMUR special report about Melissa’s childhood and I agreed. However, I was unaware that my name was going to be presented in a way that made me look like one of the creators of the social media campaign. All the other news stations in New England also covered the story.
I now had a murderer whose freedom may soon end, to worry about.
I knew the name of the person of interest and this person resided very close to my home. Threatening messages were sent to me. I was scared. I couldn’t sleep. It was affecting my family, work, my driving habits, and my freedom. All aspects of my life changed because I was living in fear.
My husband, my hero and a federal law enforcement officer, took me to the range. I tried all sorts of firearms with his help until I shot one that I felt very comfortable with. We made the purchase. The next day, my husband bought me all sorts of holsters, belt bands, belts etc. I was afraid to carry the gun on my body. Within a few days of owning my firearm, my husband visited me at work. He put my firearm comfortably on my body, and he left. I was nervous but sort of excited. Most importantly though, I instantly felt safe again.
Melissa’s killer is currently a free man. But, if he comes anywhere near me, I can and WILL protect myself. I can now protect others as well. We walk among many good people as well as this wolf in sheep’s clothing.