News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

August 26, 2003

                                       Contact: Sara Lang
                                       Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Releases Results of First Responder Homeland Security Survey

Congressman, Expert Discuss Results with Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS Workers Throughout the Second District

RALEIGH -- U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), the only North Carolina Member of Congress serving on the U.S. House Select Committee on Homeland Security, this week released the results of his survey of local first responders. Earlier this month, Etheridge distributed the surveys to police officers, sheriffs, firefighters and EMS workers to evaluate their security needs and the preparedness of the Triangle area for a potential terrorist attack. This week, Etheridge and Jason McNamara, a professional staff member for the Select Committee on Homeland Security, discussed the results and their implications with local first responders and updated them on efforts in Washington to boost local security.

"Homeland security means hometown security," Etheridge said. "This survey gives me a chance to hear directly from our local first responders, who serve on the frontlines every day to keep us safe. North Carolina's first responders know how to get the job done, but we must get them all the resources and the information they need."

Survey responses were received from police, fire, and EMS departments in towns and cities throughout Chatham, Cumberland, Franklin, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Sampson, Vance and Wake counties. While North Carolina's first responders are working hard to protect our communities against possible attack, survey results reveal that they do not have the all the resources or information required to do the job effectively.

Overwhelmingly, first responders in nearly every department say they lack resources and information. Top funding needs cited were communications technology, police personnel, training and protective gear. Many respondents cited frustration with the funding process. Many smaller and rural departments in the Second District say they feel left out of the funding process. Many expressed frustration with the complexity of the grant application process.

More than 60 percent of respondents reported that they did not receive regular updates from the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security or that, at best, these updates were only somewhat useful. Half of respondents report that they have received additional training in response to 9/11. More departments have received training for weapons of mass destruction than for either chemical or biological weapons.

McNamara, updated the first responders on Congress' work on legislation aimed at aiding local first responders and the role that local departments play in homeland security. Previously, McNamara worked at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he participated in the planning, execution, and evaluation of disaster response exercises and actual emergency response operations, including the Oklahoma City bombing.

   
   
   
   

| About Bob Etheridge | Constituent Services | Contact Bob | Email Bob | Home |

| Just for Children | Legislative Issues | The 2nd District | Press Room | Visit Washington |

Privacy Policy