Senator Gallivan to Serve on Task Force on Counterterrorism and Public Safety

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) has been appointed to the Senate Majority Task Force on Counterterrorism and Public Protection.  Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan announced the creation of the Task Force, which 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.                                            

“I am honored to serve as a member of this important task force,” said Senator Patrick Gallivan.  “As Sheriff of Erie County at the time, I assisted investigators at Ground Zero in the days after 9-11 and will never forget the devastation caused by the attacks on our state and our country.  We know that terrorists can strike anywhere, at anytime, but we also realize that New York remains a real target.  That’s why we must remain vigilant in preventing future attacks and keeping our citizens safe from terrorist’s activities.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to review New York’s counter terrorism efforts.”

Senator Gallivan also serves as Chair of the Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee.

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.

Joining Senator Gallivan on the Task Force are: Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville), 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 Griffo (R-C-I, Rome), and Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester).

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.

-30-