Governor Scott McCallum's Summary of Wisconsin Terrorism Preparedness Efforts for this Week

Responding to the September 11 Terrorist Attacks:
Wisconsin's Terrorism Preparedness Efforts
December 21, 2001 Report


As we approach this holiday season, I encourage the people of Wisconsin to
remember those who have been affected by the events of September 11.
Remember those who lost their lives, give thanks to those in our emergency
services that are ready to help those in need, and support our troops as
they fight the war against terrorism to try and bring about peace. 

I would like to also take this opportunity to thank you for helping to keep
our state safe.  Your efforts over the last 100 days have helped to assure
the citizens of Wisconsin that we are prepared and measures are in place to
help prevent such tragedies.  But the threat of violence remains.  We must
remain vigilant even during this holiday season and I am grateful for those
who will be on watch to ensure our safety. 

Below are some of the outreach efforts by various state and local agencies
in the past week.

Wisconsin Air National Guard Members Return From Operation Enduring Freedom
I am pleased to help welcome home today 60 members of the Wisconsin Air
National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing just in time for the holidays.
The 128th Air Refueling Wing has been supporting U.S. military operations
overseas following the September 11 terrorist attacks.  Statewide, Wisconsin
has hundreds of men and women from the various armed services who are
supporting the nation's military operations in response to terrorism both in
the United States and overseas.

The Vital Role of Our Volunteer Agencies in Disasters
Volunteer organizations are an essential part of the overall response
capability and would play a vital role should Wisconsin ever have to respond
to a major terrorism incident or a natural disaster.  To make sure these
agencies are involved and prepared, Wisconsin Emergency Management is
hosting a meeting on January 8 to discuss how best to coordinate the
volunteer agency response to a terrorism event.  Participating groups will
share information regarding types of services they can provide, manpower,
and other resources that would be valuable in such an event.

Law Enforcement Needs During a Terrorist Event
Representatives from various state law enforcement agencies, Emergency
Police Services, Department of Justice, and Wisconsin State Patrol met on
December 19 to discuss state law enforcement concerns in preparing and
responding to a terrorism event.  Topics included communications,
intelligence sharing, training, equipment needs and building security
issues. The information gathered will be presented to the Governor's Task
Force on Terrorism Preparedness.

EPA Meeting
Security measures and terrorism awareness were the subjects discussed at a
meeting conducted December 18-19 in Milwaukee for managers of larger water
utilities. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also participated in
this session.  The meeting was conducted by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the American Water Works Association.  It was one of
seven such meetings that are being held around the nation for the 500-700
larger water utilities.


I will issue the next weekly report on January 11. Until then, I would like
to wish all of you happy holidays and a safe and peaceful 2002!