Special officers stand by during revelry

Rebecca Malone

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002 | 9:56 a.m.

One hundred people with specialized skills hunkered down at the Clark County Government Center on New Year's Eve, ready for any emergency.

Sophisticated surveillance equipment scanned the Strip and downtown, and communication lines were open with emergency responders in case the need arose.

All was in readiness at the Emergency Operations Center.

Although nothing requiring their services happened, all agreed that preparedness is vital.

Metro Police Lt. Vincent Cannito, one of the EOC officers Monday night, said last year's terrorism attacks add urgency to such preparations.

"We have not had a critical situation on New Year's Eve yet, but it is always good to be prepared, especially given the events of Sept. 11," Cannito said.

Among the agencies represented Monday night were the Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Highway Patrol, Clark County Department of Public Works, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Clark County Fire Department with its Hazardous Materials Team, the FBI and Metro.

A helicopter air unit beamed images into their command room.

Sheriff Jerry Keller was among the officials on duty. "We are prepared for every event," he said.

The EOC is not just for New Year's. When the floods of July 1999 struck, the EOC was assembled quickly and worked through the entire emergency, which caused two deaths and property damage of more than $22 million.