I am still my own first line of defense. But depending on where you are, the local sheriff could be a good resource and not at all the same as the police. Our sheriff, for example, said that if things got serious, he was going to get out the list of concealed carry license holders. This would not be to confiscate firearms, but to deputize the CHL holders. He considers them pre-screened responsible citizens, proven firearms handlers, and essentially the local militia.
But I live in Texas!
You have an awesome sheriff.