Darlene Hooley: “two years ago, I don't think there would be any doubt that most Americans would have felt a sense of safety, but in…”

“two years ago, I don't think there would be any doubt that most Americans would have felt a sense of safety, but in today's world that is not the case. Indeed, in today's world of opting to spend an estimated $9 million on security for the Super Bowl, Americans are looking for a greater feeling of safety and security in their daily lives, whether in their homes, on the street, or in their workplace. While tensions abroad are troubling, we can't overlook or underfund our own homeland security. There is a bipartisan consensus that protecting the security of our communities requires that we adequately equip and train our first responders, who form our first line of response to any terrorist attacks. These first responders need additional funding to match mandates and goals, particularly to address the need for new communications equipment. Fire fighters need to be able to communicate with police officers, and police officers need to be able to communicate with emergency medical personnel in order to effectively protect our communities. Recently, a group of over 80 police, fire and emergency response agencies in Oregon came to me requesting funding for a regional communications system that would allow all the agencies to communicate with one another. This proposal cost $59 million and would greatly improve the regional response capability of these first responders. Increasing money for first responders may allow them to build their communications system.”