Local anti-terrorism efforts to be discussed

Mathis Winkler

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 | 10:12 a.m.

It will still take some time before Nevadans find out about national plans for homeland security as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks.

But on Monday Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., hopes to give valley residents an idea of existing local protection against further terrorist actions.

Reid has invited the public to participate in a counterterrorism summit at Henderson's Paul Ruth Fire Training Facility, where representatives from local and federal agencies will brief residents on their readiness for an emergency.

In a press statement, Reid said the three-hour meeting will also give him a chance to find out how he can help Nevada's agencies to improve their emergency preparedness.

"I want a frank assessment from the experts and the general public of Nevada's anti-terrorism capabilities and the areas we need to improve," Reid said.

That's something Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., who will also attend the meeting, is interested in as well.

Ensign "is going to observe and see how he can help in Washington," said Traci Scott, a spokeswoman for the senator.

Presentations at the meeting will be given by Henderson fire department officials, Clark County Sheriff Jerry Keller and University Medical Center officials, who will talk about emergency medical treatment.

Maj. Gen. L.D. Johnston, the commander of the air warfare center, will talk about safeguarding Nellis Air Force Base, FBI officials will review crime scene investigations and counter-terrorism responses and a Federal Emergency Management Agency official will give a presentation.

Ken Powers, the acting manager of the National Nuclear Security Administration, is scheduled to talk about counter-terrorism training at the Nevada Test Site while another agency officials will look at nuclear emergency search teams and emergency response.

Fred Tarantino, the general manager of Bechtel Nevada, which manages operations at the Nevada Test Site, plans to review strategic plans for counter-terrorism activities.

Following the presentations, residents can view exhibits and talk with the experts.

The meeting, which is open to the public, begins Monday at 9 a.m. at the fire training facility, which is located at 401 Parkson Rd. in Henderson.