Sen. Griffo named to Senate Counterterrorism Task Force

UTICA – State Senator Joseph Griffo was named Monday as a member of the Senate’s new Task Force on Counterterrorism and Public Protection, following the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Task Force will analyze current counterterrorism and public protection measures that have occurred since September 11, 2001, and will make recommendations for future legislative and administrative actions that will promote the improved public safety of all New Yorkers.

Senator Griffo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, said: “I want to thank the Senate Majority Leader for his confidence in having me serve on this Task Force to improve our state’s counterterrorism measures. From my time serving on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, as well as my focus on public protection during my service in local government, I understand the need to always be vigilant against threats to our people and infrastructure. While we must always reconnect with the raw emotion we all experienced on September 11, 2001, we also need to accept that there exists a new normal of terror in today’s world. As we’ve tragically seen on our soil and across the globe, there are no limits to the forms of terrorism that can strike at any time, from unpredictable lone wolf attacks to high-tech cyber wars. Fifteen years after 9/11, we must always ensure with the same level of urgency that we do whatever we can to protect the people of New York State from any and all acts of terror.”

Senate Majority Leader John. J. Flanagan today announced the creation of the Senate Majority Task Force, and appointed Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville) as Chair.

Senate Majority Leader Flanagan said: “As we reflect on the 15th anniversary of the most devastating terror attack on American soil, it’s vital that New York continues to examine ways to improve our state’s counterterrorism and public protection efforts. Despite some successes and the tremendous work of local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, New York remains an ever present and real target for active terrorist groups. This Task Force will allow us to thoroughly review what works and what can be done better to ensure we’re doing everything in our power to keep New Yorkers safe.”

Senator Croci, current Naval Intelligence Commander in the Navy Reserves and Chair of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, said: “New Yorkers have suffered disproportionately from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. New York must heed the lessons of that day and ensure our state government is focused on preventing another attack, being prepared for the next attack when it happens, and ensuring our first responders and law enforcement receive all of the resources necessary to respond and recover in the event of future attacks. The growing spread of ISIS and the increased frequency of attacks world-wide heightens our concern that New York, which remains the number one target for terrorist groups, should apply the lessons learned in the wake of September 11, 2001, to help New Yorkers have a better chance to live in peace and safety. This Task Force will examine New York’s current posture of preparedness and what must be done expeditiously to ensure our safety.”

Joining Senator Croci on the Task Force are: Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-I, Rome), Senator Andrew Lanza (R-C-I, Staten Island), Senator Martin Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), Senator Simcha Felder (D, Brooklyn), Senator Kemp Hannon (R-C-I, Nassau), Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester), and Senator Patrick Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma).

The Task Force will focus on the prevention, response, and recovery responsibilities of the state and will include: emergency preparedness plans; critical infrastructure protection; cyber security; state/local counterterrorism; school security; electrical power grid security; telecommunication security; coastal waterway/port security; epidemic response; police capital support; and financial recovery response.

Following its initial reviews of counterterrorism and public protection activity over the last 15 years, the Task Force will perform research, visit critical infrastructure and public protection sites, conduct private interviews, and hold public roundtables and meetings to examine what has worked and what can be done better.

A final report with findings, conclusions, and legislative and administrative recommendations will also be published.

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