News Release - Etheridge Convenes Homeland Security Summit with First Responders

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

April 23, 2003

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

Etheridge Convenes Homeland Security Summit with First Responders

Federal, State, Local Officials Discuss State's Preparedness

RALEIGH -- U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today held a homeland security summit with federal, state and local officials to discuss North Carolina's preparedness for disaster and to gather ideas and information for federal homeland security efforts. Etheridge, the only North Carolina member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. David Price (D-Chapel Hill), a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, updated 80 first responders on federal homeland security efforts and sought feedback about the needs and concerns of officials who are working daily on the ground to keep North Carolina's communities safe and secure.

"Our local first responders will be the first on the scene should we suffer another terrorist act," Etheridge said. "They should not have to choose between hazmat suits or bulletproof vests. They shouldn't have to choose been arson training or learning about weapons of mass destruction. Our cities and states need the money for training and equipment. Law enforcement officers, fire fighters and public health officials need timely, accurate, and specific information about possible threats."

In addition to Price and Etheridge, panelists Congressman Brad Miller (D-Raleigh), Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety Bryan Beatty and Director of Emergency Management Ken Taylor presented information on the state's ongoing plans for protecting against terrorist attack and for coping with a potential disaster.

"Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the spirit of cooperation between public safety and public health officials at all levels of government has been outstanding," said Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety Bryan Beatty. "It is encouraging to know that the members of our congressional delegation in North Carolina are working hard to provide the resources that first responders need to protect the people of our state. I am grateful to Congressman Price and Congressman Etheridge for their leadership at the federal level in Homeland Security."

Firefighters, police officers, sheriff's deputies, paramedics and mayors from across the Triangle joined in the discussion. They expressed the need for additional resources, training and improved coordination between all levels of government.