[Bill Peeler is with the New York State Chapter of the International Association for Counterterrorism & Security Professionals - WK] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 23:13:56 -0400 From: Bill Peeler <directorat_private> Reply-To: corporatesecurityat_private To: directorat_private Subject: [corporatesecurity] Report From Twin Towers and NYC Greetings Everyone, I just wanted to give you all a first hand report from the twin towers area. I just returned for short time from after delivering some equipment and wanted to let you know what was found before I return. I arrived there the other day and was not able to locate my point of contact and was directed to one of the many command posts. After meeting with various individuals from NYPD, FEMA and other entities I met up with the Governor's group and was given a direct private line to the governors NYC office where a point of contact was made and after some time was given proper credentials for entry to the area now commonly known as "ground zero". The reason for my visit to this area was I originally requested by a list member for some resources and manpower but then was contacted by the NY Fire Department for assistance in acquiring some critical search equipment. After some work the great (and I mean great folks) at ITI Technologies Company met with me where I signed for $150,000.00 in optical search equipment or as some may recognize as "scopes". I also obtained communication equipment from the NEXTEL Company for the needs of some others. I want to emphasize how wonderful these two companies and the international level of the IACSP were in meeting my needs in a matter of one hour. This was all accomplished by my signature for payment and a number of people traveling to meet me with equipment. ITI even offered two trainers to travel with me so they could teach the rescuers how to optimize the use of the equipment. One did travel with me because of the difficulties in getting credential for a number of people. When I first arrived at the site I must say it is as described by others, "devastation", "shocking" , "revolting", "saddening" and "intriguing" all at one time. The people who have volunteered services, equipment or supplies are everywhere. It is actually saddening that some of these very talented people were not used; a team of professional rescuers from France flew the whole team and equipment to NYC just to be turned away. The supplies at this time have been more than met; some food items were unfortunately disposed of because the people could not consume it fast enough. The people at the lead of the efforts there are first the NYC Fire Department, Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, NYPD, FEMA, NY State Police, US Engineers with all the other city, state and federal branches completing the team. The citizens lining the outer perimeter contrary to many reports are providing a great service for there own mental well being and that of the workers. They applaud every person and every vehicle that enters the secured area, even when I cam out for a break after 3 am there was about 50-100+ people at each gate. I am not going to mislead you all with stating that every person is professional and that they all act appropriately. Some individuals have tried to breach the secured area for less than honorable reasons, others have lied to the authorities on contact from individuals trapped in the rubble and as with any operation of size there are those authorities with bloated egos. The majority of the work "on the pile", as it is referred to are firemen and police officers from all over the country. Florida police departments sent their officers directly from duty in uniform and patrol vehicle to the site, as well as, the LA County, Missouri and so many other rescue teams. Security is very tight at ground zero with the NYPD, NY State Police and National Guard taking the responsibility of these duties at the various layers. Identification on top of your credentials from the OEM is vital for movement throughout. I must also add they do not take it lightly when people misrepresent themselves. I know that prior to my approval a full background was completed. Nevertheless this is important part of the infrastructure in the operation. Looting and theft is at a minimum but has increased in the past day or so. Steps have been taken and have worked to curb this. Services available at the site for workers do not just include medical, religious & physiological council but it also includes: massage therapist, chiropractors and even veterinarians for the rescue dogs. In fact one piece of equipment vitally needed is a portable x-ray machine for the people and the dogs. The people working are still showing enthusiasm in completing their mission with all the signs of exhaustion at the same time. The commander at the ground zero command post shared his personal thoughts with me in great candor, but as I stated these were private thoughts and emotions that I do not feel would be proper for me to discuss. Other officers spent some private moments with me and shared their thoughts about lost friends and fears, many having their eyes fill with tears. This was all enough to rip at your heart and stomach. As I left the site I was torn. I needed to return home for short time but I like so many other felt the need to continue with the work. Many people on the site and others elsewhere provided memories for me that will never leave. They are not marketing to the public any fiction here, they will rebuild, they will again surpass the expectations of anyone and they have defined what the United States stands for. Sincere Regards, Bill Peeler - ISN is currently hosted by Attrition.org To unsubscribe email majordomoat_private with 'unsubscribe isn' in the BODY of the mail.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Mon Sep 17 2001 - 04:44:57 PDT