Release Date: December 28, 2006

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: (202) 282-8010

Fact Sheet: National Special Security Events

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has designated the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford as a National Special Security Event (NSSE).

A number of factors are taken into consideration when designating an event as a National Special Security Event, including anticipated attendance by dignitaries and the size and significance of the event. When an event is designated a NSSE, the U.S Secret Service assumes its legally mandated role as the lead federal agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan. Federal resources will be deployed to maintain the level of security needed for the event and the area.

Secretary Chertoff has designated Steven C. Woodard, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Government and Public Affairs, U.S. Secret Service to serve as the Principal Federal Official (PFO) for the State Funeral of Former President Ford in Washington, D.C. The role and responsibility of the PFO is to ensure overall seamless coordination of the federal domestic incident management activities. Deputy Assistant Director Woodard has experience in the preparation and coordination that are required for NSSEs and has previously served as a PFO.

Secretary Chertoff has also designated Paul S. Morrissey, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Protective Operations, U.S. Secret Service to serve as the Deputy Principal Federal Official (DPFO) for this NSSE.

The Secret Service is responsible for planning, directing and executing federal security operations at designated NSSEs and, together with state and local law enforcement partners, develops the overall security plan. In the Washington, D.C., area, the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, the U.S. Park Police and a number of other federal and local agencies will play an active role in securing this event.

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