Secretary Napolitano explains two campaigns to help improve homeland security
By Janelle Foskett
“Let me be loud and clear, the Department of Homeland Security understands, appreciates and stands behind the fire service in our mutual responsibility to protect and ensure the safety of the American people.”
Janet Napolitano, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), began her speech at FRI’s general session with these words, reminding attendees that the department knows the challenges being faced by first responders across the country and that it will help ensure that they have the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs.
Napolitano’s presence at a fire conference was certainly appropriate, as she acknowledged that the fire service has clearly evolved into an all-hazards response organization. “Homeland security begins with hometown security,” she emphasized, adding that when disaster strikes, no one looks at each other, wondering where the DHS is, but rather, where the local responders are.
She also recalled speaking at FRI last year, when she asked for attendees help in creating a “culture of preparedness.” She said she believes that significant progress has been made since that time, specifically discussing the “Fusion Centers” that first responders are beginning to use to improve information- and intelligence-sharing capabilities. Fusion Centers essentially bring all the relevant partners together to maximize the ability to prevent and respond to terrorism and criminal acts.
Finally, Napolitano also explained two DHS campaigns designed to improve homeland (and hometown) security.
1. If you see something, say something: This campaign, designed for the citizenry, will help free up first responders by relying on citizens to be their eyes and ears for suspicious activities and devices. Napolitano noted that a recent plan to detonate a bomb in Times Square was foiled due to an aware street vendor who saw something that wasn’t right and spoke up about it. And within 53 hours, the suspect was caught.
2. Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR): This campaign, which Napolitano indicated has the potential to be a very powerful tool, will help public safety agencies share information about suspicious activities. “This allows you to be proactive and reactive,” she added.
Napolitano explained that she hopes first responders will work with the DHS as it moves “swiftly and strongly” to deploy these programs in the coming year, adding that “You may be the backbone of homeland security, but we have your back.”
Janelle Foskett is the managing editor of FireRescue magazine.
DHS Has Your Back!
Secretary Napolitano explains two campaigns to help improve homeland security
By Janelle Foskett
“Let me be loud and clear, the Department of Homeland Security understands, appreciates and stands behind the fire service in our mutual responsibility to protect and ensure the safety of the American people.”
Janet Napolitano, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), began her speech at FRI’s general session with these words, reminding attendees that the department knows the challenges being faced by first responders across the country and will help ensure that they have the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs.
Napolitano’s presence at a fire conference was certainly appropriate, as she acknowledged that the fire service has clearly evolved into an all-hazards response organization. “Homeland security begins with hometown security,” she emphasized, adding that when disaster strikes, no one looks at each other, wondering where the DHS is, but rather, where the local responders are.
She also recalled speaking at FRI last year, when she asked for attendees help in creating a “culture of preparedness.” She said she believes that significant progress has been made since that time, specifically discussing the “Fusion Centers” that first responders are beginning to use to improve information- and intelligence-sharing capabilities. Fusion Centers essentially bring all the relevant partners together to maximize the ability to prevent and respond to terrorism and criminal acts.
Finally, Napolitano also explained two DHS campaigns designed to improve homeland (and hometown) security.
1. If you see something, say something: This campaign, designed for the citizenry, will help free up first responders by relying on citizens to be their eyes and ears for suspicious activities and devices. Napolitano noted that a recent plan to detonate a bomb in Times Square was foiled due to an aware street vendor who saw something that wasn’t right and spoke up about it. And within 53 hours, the suspect was caught.
2. Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR): This campaign, which Napolitano indicated has the potential to be a very powerful tool, will help public safety agencies share information about suspicious activities. “This allows you to be proactive and reactive,” she added.
Napolitano explained that she hopes first responders will work with the DHS as it moves “swiftly and strongly” to deploy these programs in the coming year.
Janelle Foskett is the managing editor of FireRescue magazine.
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