President George Bush and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge visited the Northeast Illinois Public Safety Training Academy in Northbrook, Ill, Thursday, July 22.

About 700 people, including about 100 fire and police chiefs seated on the dais, attended the event, at which Bush touted his administration's homeland security policies. Bush cited strides made since Sept. 11 in communications, equipment, technology and security.

“Before 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 to work together in a crisis.”

Bush said a new program called RapidCom will provide interoperable communications in major emergencies for first responders in Chicago and nine other major American cities later this year. He said the 9-11 Commission’s Final Report, given to him earlier that day, produced a number of valid recommendations and was consistent with the strategy his administration is following.

Related:

Bush, Ridge Address Fire & Police Chiefs

Preparedness Recommendations in 9-11 Commission’s Final Report