Suicide Training Scheduled in New York
First Responders Learn to Combat Suicide Bombers
February 22, 2005
The FBI is warning state and local partners to be on the alert for suicide bombers. "The challenge for us is to recognize the threat is continuous out there and to do everything we can to prevent the next attack," states FBI director Robert Mueller.
With New York no stranger to terrorism, an innovative Florida company is providing first responders with training to combat the terrorists weapon of choice – the suicide bomber. The training will take place on March 15, 2005 in New York.
Being prepared is important and not only for big cities. Small towns all over America may consider themselves safe from terror attacks but consider the case of Belle Glades, Florida prior to 9/11. Today, it is known that terrorists sought information on crop-dusters in Belle Glades before the attack on the Twin Towers. Every first responder needs to be aware of the threat.
“The problem with this threat is that for relatively little outlay, the terrorists have a weapon that is smarter than our own weapon systems; a suicide terrorist can switch targets, dodge security or turn around and come back tomorrow if need be!” says Ana Sowers of Security Solutions International.
“Osama bin Laden claims he will bankrupt the US. For every dollar spent by terrorists on 9/11, it cost the US almost $1 million. All our efforts are directed to making first responder’s lives safer and their work more effective.”
The Florida company represents various Israeli groups that are prominent in counter-terrorism in a nation that has long suffered from terror. Drawing on that know-how, the company is contributing to the US Homeland Security effort, training across the country.
In addition to New York, SSI’s training program will also be in Chicago, on the 17th of March and in Long Beach California in May.
"We are focusing on making the country as safe as possible through increased preparedness for this very real threat," says Sowers. "We are very impressed by the level of awareness of this threat to our country."
Casualties are a dreadful problem but economic devastation is sure to follow any incident of this nature. The airlines are already in trouble and any attack that affects tourism would hurt hotels, restaurants, cruise ships airlines shopping malls etc. So naturally in view of the constant warnings of the FBI, and in New York and other neighboring states’ First Responders have been quick to react.
“We hope that by holding the training in New York, those who are in Homeland Security decision-making positions in the Northeast would take this opportunity to attend,” states Sol Bradman, SSI’s CEO.
