Local officials are brushing up on what it takes to handle a terrorist attack.
More than 20 law-enforcement and public-safety officials, including Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and Mayor Michael Nutter, participated in a security forum aimed at improving communication yesterday.
The forum, hosted by U.S. Rep. Robert Brady (D-Pa.) and Penn Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush, took place yesterday morning at the Division of Public Safety, located at 4040 Chestnut St. Several homeland security officials from Washington, D.C. also participated.
Intended to promote dialogue and increase communication among safety officials, Brady hosted the forum as a response to the continued threat of a terrorist attack.
"We weren't prepared," Brady said in his opening remarks, referring to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The forum was meant to increase the level of preparedness by giving "local law-enforcement agencies the opportunity to discuss face-to-face inter-agency procedures and coordination necessary to save lives in the event of a multi-city terror attack," according to a press release.
Throughout his opening remarks, Brady praised the actions of public-service officials, highlighting the value of police work.
"The police do an excellent job," he said. "Whatever you need, whenever you need, I'm gonna get it for you."
