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Marine vessel to help protect Anne Arundel County against terrorist attacks
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Related Topics: Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County (Map, News) - Anne Arundel police and fire authorities have secured funding for a new marine vessel that will patrol and safeguard county waterways in the event of a terrorist attack.
“Unfortunately, we can’t be naive about the fact that it’s not a matter of if another terrorist attack will occur, it’s a matter of when,” said Battalion Chief Matthew Tobia, an Anne Arundel fire spokesman.
“This vessel will allow us to meet our homeland security responsibility from a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and etiological nature.”
County Executive John R. Leopold recently directed the Office of Emergency Management to secure state and federal grant funding for a maritime vessel to respond in water emergencies, including terrorist attacks with weapons of mass destruction.
“I am extremely pleased to report that these funds will be used to bolster the safety and security of our residents along one of our most difficult-to-defend portals — our shoreline,” Leopold said in a statement.
The 35-foot-long vessel, which is still being designed, will be equipped with emergency response teams from both the police and fire departments, said Anne Arundel police Sgt. Jeff Fratantuono, commander of the marine unit.
It will safeguard the county’s 533 linear miles of shoreline, which is more than any other political subdivision in the U.S., and provide support for special operations teams, water rescues and water-related emergencies that require fire, medical or law enforcement assistance.
“Ever since 9/11 our goal has been to take advantage of the opportunity to partner in a joint commission,” Tobia said.
“The fire department’s responsibility is to mitigate the hazard and treat any patients, while the police responsibility is to investigate any incident that could be a terrorist threat.”
The operation will save taxpayers money by merging staff from both departments and will provide some relief to the three fire department vessels already patrolling the waterways, officials said.
Fire boats responded to five water emergencies in a three-hour span Sunday, Tobia said, which is only a fraction of the estimated 300 to 400 emergencies they respond to each year.
The new vessel is expected to be completed by summer 2009, but until then a whaler vessel will serve as the substitute.
cpeirce@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Examiner Reader said:
You reporters need to stop making this story bigger then what the story really is and put real information not false information to get the members of travelers program scared.This is the best program I have ever spent my money and I thank CLEAR for making my travel less of a headache.
8 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Not all services within DoD are utilizing. Costs implemented to private companies/contractors will in turn cost the government come time for contract renewals. System not HSPD-12 compliant and company not liable for misinformation given from background checks.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
When and where did the competition for this acquisition occur? Why is DHS implementing a solution that is not compliant with HDPD-12 requirements?
4 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I am relieved to know that Anne Arundel County is safe from terrorist attacks. Maybe, just maybe, the focus should be on local crime and drug interdiction.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The 20% retained by the State must be used for the direct benefit of the urban area. Only 3% can be used for management and adminsitration.
4 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Congress does everything under the sun to try to sabatoge our security, then sends him a bill asking for security? Send in the clowns! Forget it. They're already here!!!!
213 agree | 199 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
It's the same bill.
171 agree | 190 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
There's $3 billion worth in the Homeland Security Spending bill currently on its way to the House. It includes fence funding, border agent money and a bunch of other good stuff. The amendment containing the border money passed 89-1. Bush has said he will veto the bill - claiming "irresponsible spending" - I guess he would know - but most on the hill think that both houses have enough votes to override. Let's freakin' hope so!
180 agree | 196 disagree
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Me said:
When are they going to do something about the Mexican border? I mean protecting the ports, etc. is a joke!
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