At a counterterrorism symposium last Friday in Hempstead, U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) said that New York City and Nassau and Suffolk counties are under constant threat of a terrorist attack.
“The lingering threat we have from that day [9/11] until now is the threat of terrorism,” King said. “And the reality is though the enemy has never stopped. They’re constantly adjusting, readjusting.”
The Town of Hempstead partnered with homeland security and law enforcement agencies to hold a counterterrorism seminar on bomb detection and disarmament. The event was hosted by the New York Police Chiefs Benevolent Association, of which Hempstead Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman is the executive director. King, who served as chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security from 2011 to 2013, was the keynote speaker for the symposium.
Councilman Dennis Dunne Sr. said that as a U.S. Marine, he is always trying to think of new ways to keep the community safe. “This collaborative effort of local and international experts is sure to provide valuable information on how to protect our family and friends,” he said.
Bomb specialists from the Nassau County Police Department, the New York Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as experts from the Israeli Counter Terrorism Institute, participated in the symposium.
The STARCOM Suicide Bomb and Bomb Disposal Symposium provides the opportunity for local law enforcement to gain education and training in counterterrorism measures. The symposium is a collaborative effort of Homeland Security and state and local law enforcement.
“This is the kind of proactive approach we should take in combating terrorism and acts of violence,” Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby said. “The dedicated men and women of law enforcement are our township’s first line of defense, and this training seminar will help make our community even more secure.”
King emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement. Every year, he said, the government tries to cut the Homeland Security budget because the U.S. has not been attacked.
“The reason we haven’t been attacked is because of the constant work that’s being done by all the efforts of law enforcement and military all working together,” he said.
“Disasters and tragedy could strike at a moment’s notice,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “We’re fortunate to have law enforcement representatives and a dedicated homeland security team that are constantly working to keep our great nation, thereby our great township, safe.”
King echoed this sentiment.
“At a time like this, when our guard in some ways is down, they can attack and turn the world upside down,” he warned.
