President George W. Bush and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge were in Illinois Thursday afternoon to visit the Northeast Illinois Public Safety Training Academy in Northbrook. NIPSTA is an all-in-one academy for training fire, police and public works personnel. Set on a 20-acre campus, the facility was created through the efforts of 17 local communities and monies from grants.

Before entering the building, the president and Ridge watched Illinois' Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 3 demonstrate a response to a terrorist incident outside NIPSTA's facility. Inside, set in front of an on-stage bleacher of 100 fire chiefs and police chiefs, Ridge briefly addressed the 700 attendees before introducing Bush.

Ridge talked about the funding, training and support to first responders at state and local levels. "We will continue to rely on the law enforcement and first responder communities to protect our lives," he said.

Among the president's comments to first responders: "The American people are counting on all who wear our nation's uniforms," he said. "We're counting on those who wear the uniform at home -- police, firefighters, emergency rescue personnel, and others who risk their lives each day to protect our homeland and security. The nation is proud of your service. We're grateful for your service."

Most interesting to me were Bush's comments on strides in preparedness since Sept. 11, specifically in communications, equipment, technology and security.

"On Sept. 11, many of the police, fire and emergency personnel could not speak together by radio, making it much more difficult to work as a team to save lives. Since then my administration has dedicated $280 million specifically to improve the ability of our first responders to communicate with each other and work together in a crisis." Later this year, Bush said, a new program called RapidCom will provide interoperable communications in major emergencies for first responders in Chicago and nine other large cities.

"On Sept. 11th, we saw the character of America as first responders from all over the country flooded New York, Washington and Pennsylvania with offers of assistance. Since then, we've helped the states establish mutual aid agreements and regional response plans so that when first responders need help from their neighbors, they can be certain that the right assistance will get to the right people at the right time."

Bush said the 9-11 Commission's Final Report, released earlier that day, produced a number of valid recommendations and is consistent with the strategy his administration is following.

"In the three years since Sept. 11th, in many ways, life in America has returned to normal, and that's good for the country. It means the citizens are doing their job and raising their families and living as free people. Americans want to live in peace and I want peace for our country," said Bush.

Bush praised the unselfish heroism of police, firefighters and rescue personnel who rush toward danger to save lives. "All of them know that the next alarm could bring serious danger and even sacrifice. Americans are grateful that you're on the job and that you're on the lookout for the enemy. We're grateful that you're ready to respond when tragedy strikes." He added, "In these challenging times, with the nation relying on your efforts, you deserve the full support of our government, and you can count on that support."

As Ridge was leaving, we briefly spoke with him about FEMA. "FEMA is doing a great job, and if we didn't have FEMA around to respond, we would have created one," he said.

The fire chiefs we spoke to were very pleased with the president's visit and his message. They said the Illinois Terrorism Task Force has benefited significantly from federal monies for training, equipment and resources, not only for terrorism but also for specialty training.

Many are critical of this administration, but America has come a long way in three years. Of course, we have a lot further to go, but how do you make 250 million broken-hearted citizens feel safe, outfit and train 28,000+ fire departments and fend off terrorists, for a start?

What's changed in your life or job since Sept. 11th, 2001?


Janet Wilmoth, Editor