Guinn wants Keller to lead homeland security

Erin Neff

Tuesday, June 11, 2002 | 11:13 a.m.

Clark County stands to gain the most from a $10.4 million federal bioterrorism grant announced Monday, but the governor would like it to lose its top cop as a result.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said Sheriff Jerry Keller "would be outstanding" as director of homeland security for Nevada -- a position to be created with money from the grant.

"I know of no one in the state who is better trained in that area," Guinn said.

But Keller, who is not seeking re-election, said Monday while he is flattered to be mentioned, he is not interested in leaving his post early to take the new position.

"I ran for office to serve this community and department and the community was kind enough to elect me to the position, so I am going to honor my commitment to complete my term," said Keller, who is in Idaho for a meeting of the Major City Chiefs Association. "We are working hard (at Metro Police) along with the state and federal government on homeland defense and that will continue."

Guinn said since the grant is only for one year, he envisions the position being created as a consultant to the governor's office. The state's proposal to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requested $161,458 to hire a director of homeland security.

The director would coordinate bioterrorism efforts between state and local agencies and private and public sectors dealing with health care, public health, emergency management and law enforcement.

Guinn said he thinks the position should be funded each year, even if federal grant money is not available in future years.

Dr. Cristina Beato, deputy assistant to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, said the department envisions the funds as a one-time shot in the arm for state preparedness.

"The whole idea is beefing up the public health infrastructure system," said Beato, who flew in to Las Vegas from Washington for the press conference.

The terrorism grant was approved quickly for Nevada because, Beato said, the state's proposal was well-conceived and "one of the best in the nation." Nevada applied for the money April 15.

The funding includes $2.316 million for the creation of a public health laboratory in Clark County and $687,157 for the existing public health laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Clark County Health District will receive $3,838,000 for public health programs and to prepare hospitals to respond to acts of bioterrorism.

An additional $333,624 will be spent reimbursing agencies for costs associated with the state's anthrax scare last October.