Sheriff Mike Scott called the man, who shot and killed the attacker of one of his deputies, a "hero."
The man, who wants to remain anonymous, shot and killed Edward Strother while he was attacking Deputy Dean Bardes.
The stranger was licensed to carry a concealed weapon.
"He's my definition of a real hero," said Ken Cohen, a manager over at Shoot Straight in Fort Myers.
Cohen used to work in law enforcement in New York. He feels a special connection to what the Good Samaritan did for the police officer.
"I was very happy that someone stood up had the guts and intestinal fortitude to help an officer in trouble and took the action that was necessary to save the police officer's life," said Cohen.
Whenever a gun is fired in a case like this is taken into evidence. Cohen wanted to reward the man's bravery.
"We were going to donate a firearm to him so that he wouldn't spend a day without protection," said Cohen.
Protection is why people carry a concealed carry weapons permit in the first place. Many feel it just doesn't stop with family.
"I think he was just doing his civil duty, We got to protect the boys in blue as much as they protect us," said Giovanni Mellchiorre, who carries his weapon to protect his seven month old son.
Permit holders don't take it lightly.
"Big responsibility carrying around a permit and you have to make some split second decision, but that situation is a no-brainier," said George Adams, another concealed permit holder.
Shoot Straight offers the concealed weapons permit training as well as classes for beginners.
