With America now officially engaged in war with Iraq, local
safety and law enforcement groups are prepared for a variety of
potential problems.
With America now officially engaged in war with Iraq, local safety and law enforcement groups are prepared for a variety of potential problems.
Morgan Hill City Manager Ed Tewes said things are business as usual, with eyes wide open, at City Hall.
“We have reminded all employees of the importance of extra vigilance,” he said, “but we have not taken any steps to restrict entrance to City Hall … All of our employees are concerned, as are citizens, about the events that are unfolding, and yet we are continuing with city business.”
City officials are keeping on top of the situation, Tewes said.
“All emergency service coordinators in the area were invited to a county meeting this morning,” he said Thursday afternoon. “There may be some recommendations coming out of that at a later time.”
The city’s website, www.yourmorganhill.com, has links to various readiness and preparedness sites, Tewes said.
CHP Officer Brad Voyles said that as a result of Wednesday’s military action, officers will be working overtime.
“All days off, all vacations have been canceled,” he said. “Officers will be working 12 1/2 hour shifts, running 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.”
The Morgan Hill Police Department is staying informed of events occurring overseas and beefing up coverage in places.
“I have asked officers to increase patrol of some areas that might be vulnerable or seen as potential targets,” said MHPD Chief Jerry Galvin. “But we don’t have the areas of concern other cities have. I know San Jose and San Francisco have increased their coverage, but that’s mainly because of those who are objecting to the war.”
Local firefighters are also staying alert.
“We are ready, and now we are focusing on trying to stay the course,” said Battalion Chief Brad Darbro of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, El Toro Fire Station. “Whether it is terrorism or otherwise, possible civil disobedience, explosive situations, we are standing by.”
Darbro said the station really began gearing up for this type of situation after 9/11. A special team was created to deal with non-typical emergencies.
“We have a special operations task force equipped to handle much of what may happen,” he said. “They’re trained in haz mat (hazardous materials) situations, rescue in collapsed structures, situations arising out of weapons of mass destruction. We’ve been tooling up for quite some time.”
Recent developments have prompted an increase in security procedures, Darbro said.
“When hostilities began, we increased the security of our station,” he said. “We have canceled all station tours and we are secured and locked down, no visitors or guests. We are stocking our stations with three days’ worth food and water. Many of the public service details we are normally involved in have been curtailed.“
Darbro said he wants the community to know his battalion is primed to respond.
“The fire department is there for them, ready and able to support them in time of need,” he said.
