Sens. Griffo, Croci tour regional public safety sites

Earlier this month, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, and state Sen. Tom Croci, chairman of the Senate Majority Task Force on Counterterrorism and Public Protection, toured several sites throughout the region that are tasked with making sure the public is safe.

Some of the sites visited included the Air Force Research Lab and the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site at Griffiss, Utica College’s cybersecurity program and New York State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.

While touring the region’s federal and state security assets, Griffo, who is a member of the task force, and Croci were able meet with defense and security leaders and to have discussions about what the state can do to bolster its security assets and to keep them here.

“It is very important that we have these discussions with those whose job it is to keep us safe,” said Sen. Griffo. “We must make sure that they have the proper tools and resources to do their job properly and effectively. When public safety is on the line, anything less is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”  

Following the tour of Utica College’s North East Cyberforensics Center, area officials took part in a roundtable discussion about cybersecurity issues related to state and local governments and the private sector.

The task force headed by Croci, meanwhile, focuses on the prevention, response and recovery responsibilities of the state. It also makes recommendations for future legislative and administrative actions that will ensure and improve the public safety of all of the state’s residents.

“One of the most important objectives of the Task Force is to assess the homeland security assets we have throughout New York State, to ensure our state is prepared for terrorist attacks or dangerous natural disasters,” said Senator Croci.  “The Utica/Rome region is an important center for research, cybersecurity efforts and disaster preparedness training. Senator Griffo is a key leader of the Task Force and I appreciate his efforts in ensuring centers of excellence in our state have sting voices supporting these critical facilities.”

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