Training: The Cornerstone of True Interoperability

Establishing a workable communications network is the first step. But the real key to effective cooperation between units, and between decision makers, at the state, federal, and local levels is training--on a continuing basis.

The Need for Surge Capacity: Patience Is Not the Solution!

The time is NOW to develop detailed plans for the implementation of the mutual-aid agreements without which almost all hospitals in any given area of the country will be forced to rely on stopgap measures--inadequate and too late--to cope with a major di

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Homeland Security

From the start of World War II to the present day the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as a low-cost multi-mission adjunct to the Coast Guard's active-duty and reserve components--and is now working in the front lines of homeland security as well.

G. Thomas Steele, Chief Information Officer, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, State of Delaware

His views on, among other topics, how the Delaware Information Analysis Center serves as a valuable link to the state's entire homeland-security community, and also interfaces with the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.

HHS Awards Contracts to Develop Nationwide Health Information Network

Major Step Toward Secure and Portable Health Information for American Consumers.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Cuts Purchase Order for First Phase of Bulldog's MiniBOSS Covert Supply Chain Security Solution

This action provides Pfizer with a technologically advanced facility to secure, track and protect high-value pharmaceutical products and advances the company's cost savings toolset while providing the possibility of reduced rates for insurance coverage.

Datastrip Mobile ID Reader Adopted for Domestic Preparedness Programs

Portable unit includes built-in fingerprint sensor for optional biometric matching.

GAO Says Federal Action Needed to Strengthen Domestic Air Cargo Security

TSA has completed an air cargo strategic plan that outlined a threat-based risk management approach to secure the air cargo system by, among other things, targeting elevated risk cargo for inspection.

Global Secure Training, Offers Comprehensive Courses for First Receivers in Public Health & Safety

Hospital-based first receivers training offered in on complete course package.

EnvironMax Announces Environmental Management Compliance Software

EnvironMax has created the nations highest independently rated hazardous chemical tracking and reporting system.

DGI Announces - Major Emergency Alert Interoperability Demonstration at International Association of Emergency Managers Conference

Demonstration to emphasize ready-to-deploy next generation emergency alert and response capabilities for state and local government.

The Sigmon Group's NFPA 1994 Class 3 Tactical Suit Offers the First Responder an Additional Layer of Vapor Protection

The Tactical Suit is the first one of its kind to be certified to the NFPA 1994 Class 3 standards where an additional shroud is NOT needed over the APR.

INFICON - Identify Chemical Threats Quickly to Help Make the Right Decision - FAST

HAPSITE is the only person-portable gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) designed for on-scene detection, identification and quantitation of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and chemical warfare agents (CWAs).

Telenor Satellite Services Declares Telenor BGAN Service Technically, Commercially and Distribution Ready for Service Launch

Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) is the world's first mobile communications service providing simultaneous global voice and broadband data.

Axsys IR Systems EOSS 250 TC is a premier long range surveillance and security solution for mobile and stationary land, air and sea related operations.

The EOSS 250 TC is an extremely versatile system that can handle your thermal imaging needs in tough environments with long range, and quality optics.

Draeger Safety announces the Craeger BG-4 Four-Hour Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus.

The Draeger BG-4 four-hour Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus gives you the advantage to save time, save energy and most importantly saves lives.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is sponsoring a Safety and Security Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, March 17-23, 2006, with and optional stop in Jordan, March 26&27.

The mission will include representatives of U.S. safety and security equipment and supply firms interested in entering or expanding existing business in these Middle East markets.

Intelagard Announces Breakthrough Technology for Radiological/Nuclear Extraction Capabilities

Why is RadPro® such an important breakthrough technology? Because experts agree that it's a matter of "when," rather than "if," a dirty bomb event occurs. And because today's nuclear waste may become tomorrow's dirty bomb.

Emerson Network Power Introduces the Liebert XDF

Plug-and-play, mission-critical power and cooling system ideal for high capacity remote RFID, VoIP equipment.

Alexeter Introduces Defender TSR: Hand-Held Biological Identification System

Designed for field use, the Defender features improved sensitivity and new features only possible with Windows Mobile® software.

TSA Creates Holiday Checklist to Help Holiday Passengers

Passengers Encouraged to Pack Patience and Checklist this Holiday Season.

OptiMetrics, Inc. Releasing New Version of ADASHI First Response After Changes in Government Procedures and Policies

ADASHI First Response software protects and guides first responders through both large and small hazardous incidents with its new NIMS Smart-Form technology.

COAST GUARD COMMANDANT THOMAS H. COLLINS TESTIFIES ON RESPONSE TO CATASTROPHIC EVENTS

"Coast Guard forces have several key strengths that allow a quick and effective response to natural disasters." Coast Guard Commandant Thomas H. Collins

Scott Health & Safety Announces Collaboration with GenPrime, Inc. to Expand Bioterrorism Defense Response

PrimeAlert® Biodetection Systems distinguishes a hoax from a real biological threat.

Tetracore is Your One Stop Shop for all Your Biodefense Needs

Experience Counts! Founded by Former UNSCOM Inspectors and Leading Department of Defense Scientists

Rear Admiral Joseph L. Nimmich, USCG, Director, Global Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Strategy

The Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Six Questions, a Changing Threat, And an Unknown Number of Algorithms

The University of Maryland's Center for Technology and Systems Management undertakes a major CI/KR project that will be of vital interest to other states throughout the nation, and to first responders everywhere.

SECOND ALL HAZARDS FORUM ADVANCES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Governor Ehrlich Endorses Forum As A Groundbreaking Endeavor

The University of Findlay Receives MARAD Maritime Security Training Certification

granted certification to the University's maritime security training class titled "MARSEC for Facility Security Officers."

Critical-Infrastructure Update: The Essential Components of Domestic Preparedness

A timely update on the steps already taken to protect the nation's critical infrastructure, and additional actions in the planning stage. Summary: Some gains, but too many hesitations, and still a long way to go.

Publisher's Message

Critical Infrastructure: The long and difficult road ahead.

Rapiscan Systems Receives Service and Training Contract for Approximately $2.2 Million for Its Rapiscan Secure 1000 Personnel Screener

contains extension options for the customer, relates to previously delivered Rapiscan Secure 1000 personnel screeners

Mititech Receives DHS Safety Act Certification for its Safety Drape Systems

MitiTech, LLC (dba Mitigation Technologies) proudly announces that it has received liability protections from the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") that will dramatically benefit its customers.

Rapiscan Systems Receives Contract and Order from U.S. Customs and Border Control for Cargo and Vehicle Inspection Systems

The Rapiscan Gamma product line detects hidden contraband, including weapons, explosives, weapons of mass destruction, drugs and undeclared goods.

SMITHS DETECTION ACQUISITION OF LIVEWAVE ADDS NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR PRODUCT INTEGRATION AND SECURITY NETWORK MANAGEMENT

With the addition of LiveWave's technologies, Smiths Detection's expands its security detection offering to provide a total security solution.

Telenor Satellite Services Signs Service Agreement with KT Corporation

Telenor to Host KT's Inmarsat Satellite Communications Traffic Throughout the Atlantic Ocean Region

Thermo Electron Introduces Carbon Dioxide Analyzer for the Natural Gas industry

The AutoCO2 measures carbon dioxide concentrations in natural gas to maintain gas quality control at delivery points.

GAO - ATF - Thefts of Explosives from State and Local Government Storage Facilities are Few, but May be Underreported.

"GAO is recommending that the Attorney General direct the ATF Director to clarify explosives incident reporting regulations to help ensure that all entities storing explosives..., understand their obligation to report all thefts or missing explosives."

GAO - NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION - IAEA Has Strengthened Its Safeguards and Nuclear Security Programs, but Weaknesses Need to Be Addressed

This report (1) identifies the steps IAEA has taken to strengthen safeguards, (2) assesses the challenges in implementing strengthened safeguards, (3) identifies U.S. financial support for safeguards,...

MSA Orion® Plus IR Detector Blends Durability and Versatility

Offering over 20 different sensors, the unit can be customized to fit virtually any user need.

National Plan to Achieve Martitime Domain Awareness for The National Strategy for Maritime Security, October 2005

The National Plan to Achieve Maritime Domain Awareness is one of eight plans developed in support of the National Strategy for Maritime Security, as directed by National Security Presidential Directive-41/Homeland Security Presidential Directive-13.

Schill Named Director of Poduct Marketing for Intelligent Sensor Solutions Business Unit of Inficon

Steve Shill, named Director of Product Marketing.

Hamilton Named Director of Engineering for the Intelligent Sensor Solutions Business Unit of INFICON

John Hamilton, named Director of Engineering.

Homeland Security Urges Small and Medium-Sized Businesses to Take Steps to Prepare for Emergencies

Small to medium-sized businesses are the most vulnerable in the event of an emergency. By taking some steps ahead of time, many of these businesses can be better prepared to survive and recover after an emergency...

President Outlines Pandemic Influenza Preparations and Response

"Today, I have come to talk about our nation's efforts to address this vital issue to the health and the safety of all Americans. I'm here to discuss our strategy to prevent and protect the American people from a possible outbreak." President Bush

DHS Announces Long-Term Border and Immigration Strategy

"We will address all aspects of the border security problem across the board - deterrence, detection, response, apprehension, detention, and removal," said Secretary Chertoff.

R. James Woolsey, Vice President, Global Resilience, Booz Allen Hamilton

Providing Defense Support to Civil Authorities

An incisive and comprehensive primer on how the U.S. military can be and is being used to better defend the nation's homeland against terrorist attacks and, at the same time, help civil authorities at all levels of government cope with hurricanes, floods,

Army National Guard Assets and Homeland Security

The militia tradition continues in the Brave New World of the 21st century, with the Army and Air National Guard playing the lead roles--but all of the nation's armed services are assuming new missions and responsibilities in the field of homeland defense

A Note From the Editor

The constitutional mandate to "Provide for the Common Defense" takes on new meaning in the Age of Terrorism and requires an updated strategy that includes protection of the U.S. homeland as a major mission of the nation's armed services.

MSA Safe Escape Respirator is the first to receive NIOSH Approval for CBRN Emergency Escape

The Safe Escape Respirator joins several other MSA products in being the first product of its kind to be NIOSH-Approved for CBRN hazards.