NEWS
Wisconsin takes strides in security
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by Ryan Masse
Monday, September 13, 2004
Flags flew at half-staff throughout the state Saturday in remembrance of the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Three years after the attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., Wisconsin has made significant strides in the field of homeland security, according to a report issued to Gov. Jim Doyle last week.
“Today, homeland security in Wisconsin is much better integrated at all levels — federal, state and local government, first responders, community organizations and citizens — into a statewide system led by the Homeland Security Council,” Doyle said in accepting the report from Homeland Security Advisor Major General Al Wilkening.
Among the improvements is the creation of a health professionals volunteer registry, which lists health-care professionals in the state ready to respond to emergencies.
On the University of Wisconsin campus several improvements have been made, according to the report. Camp Randall Stadium, the Kohl Center and several labs housing hazardous materials have seen changes as part of a statewide effort to improve security in state-owned facilities.
Doyle also signed an Executive Order last week to create a State Citizen Corps Council. The council will consist of citizens, emergency service providers and volunteer organizations trained to prepare and respond to potential natural and terrorist-induced disasters.
“Many Wisconsin residents drove to New York after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks because they wanted to help,” Doyle said in a press release. “Citizen Corps represents our effort in state government to help capture the renewed spirit of volunteerism and civic duty that has grown in the wake of that terrible tragedy.”
The Citizen Corps were created as part of Doyle’s Preparedness Month, a September-long effort designed to let state agencies and organizations demonstrate gains made in securing the state throughout the last few years.
UW professors and students will participate in a discussion today titled “9/11 Three years Later: What Have We Learned? What is the Role of the University?” The discussion, to be held at noon at the Memorial Union, will explore security studies and seek to incorporate them in other fields of studies, from religious studies to agricultural security.
UW junior Anna Miskella said she feels safe in Wisconsin, despite a small amount of occasional uneasiness.
“I feel like we’re prepared; I feel pretty safe,” Miskella said. “But going to Camp Randall makes me a little nervous, especially on a day like yesterday, having so many people in a small area.”
UW sophomore Dave Fisher also said he feels secure in Wisconsin but believes the name of the Homeland Security Department has isolationist, and therefore less effectual, undertones.
“I don’t like the name of it, and I think a better way to improve security from terrorism would be to change our international policies … more coalition building, less bombing of things in general, that sort of thing,” Fisher said.
