NCJ Number
194369
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 3 Issue: 10 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 1-2
Date Published
July 2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes a daylong symposium, “Mitigating the Terrorist Threat: The Community Leader’s Role,” sponsored by the Region 13 Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Working Group from southwestern Pennsylvania.
Abstract
The symposium, held in February 2001, provided vital and timely information on a wide variety of topics designed specifically to assist first responders and local and State officials in preparing their jurisdictions, organizations, and agencies to deal with terrorist WMD incidents. Over 550 firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, public safety and emergency services personnel, and local and State elected officials attended from 13 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Commonwealth Fire Commissioner presented information on the law enforcement perspective on terrorism, and fire service preparedness training. An exercise was conducted to illustrate just how quickly a deadly biological agent can pass from person to person without anyone’s knowledge. This exercise demonstrated that a terrorist need not employ a bomb or explosive device to cause catastrophic damage. The symposium concluded with the introduction of the emergency management coordinators from the Region 13 counties and the City of Pittsburgh. Region 13 was the first antiterrorist working group of its kind organized in Pennsylvania. It is considered by many Federal agencies as a national model for regional organization and cooperation. The symposium stimulated interest at the local jurisdictional level, helping these jurisdictions better prepare themselves for a possible terrorist WMD emergency and other disasters and emergencies as well.