(The following response was submitted to the Port Washington News by Chief William Kilfoil of the Port Washington Police Department and Les Kent of the "Port Police Blueline" column, relative to last week's letter (Sept. 2) from Elizabeth P. Zimmer.)

The recent Port Police Blueline column of "A Parent's Guide to Gun Safety" (Aug. 19) in no way indicates the Port Washington Police Department's commitment to or endorsement of the National Rifle Association's position on specific matters regarding gun control.

The primary reason for the presentation of the NRA's guidelines for safety regarding firearms and children was because their instructions on how to prevent the tragedy inherent in access to guns by youngsters are among the best to be found anywhere.

We thank her for her thoughtful letter, since it indicates that she is already a concerned and aware parent, and we sincerely hope our column and her letter will result in many more, if not all, parents of young children to be as knowledgeable and careful as she.

Chief William Kilfoil

Port Washington Police Department

Les Kent

Port Police Blueline