Terrorist expert speaks to Perry Township residents
PERRY TWP. – With the threat of terrorism on the minds of many Americans, township residents Tuesday heard from a terrorism expert from the state police at Belle Vernon about the current threat and about what individuals can do to protect themselves. Trooper Patrick Donohoe, a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Pennsylvania, told area residents and the township supervisors that although it is possible that another terrorist attack could occur, it is unlikely. And, Donohoe, who helped track al-Qaida operatives after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, said the best defense is awareness.
“You don’t have too much to be worried about,” Donohoe said.
He said that with the new measures taken by the U.S. Office of Homeland Security, the president and the attorney general, the nation is undergoing a tremendous shift and that the best defense is alert citizens.
“The shift has been monumental,” he said. “We are in uncharted territory right now. The state police have a definitive role, and we are an integral part in the federal operations.”
Donohoe said citizens should look out for suspicious people and packages, be aware of their surroundings and simply call the police if they have any doubt about any situation. He said that many calls or tips actually lead to arrest regarding terrorism, but they also can prevent everyday crimes from occurring. He also told residents that the recent recommendations for duct tape, plastic sheeting and water in the event of chemical or biological attacks are not bad ideas, if only to be totally prepared.
“I’m geared up, but I’m not scared,” he said. “Weapons of mass destruction are not that good. It takes a lot of chemical agent to do anything.”
Donohoe used the example that if a storage truck full of cyanide were thrown into Yough Lake, the cyanide would not be able to disperse well and the effects would be minimal. He said that the planning and technique it would take to conduct a mass chemical or biological attack is very high and therefore reduces the risk of an attack. Still, he said that terrorism has had a great effect on the country.
“It is called terrorism for a reason,” he said. “All they are trying to do is disrupt our life. If you are sitting here in a meeting asking about duct tape…well?”
Donohoe said that anyone who sees suspicious behavior should contact the state police at the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The phone number for the terrorism tip line is 888-292-1919.
Supervisor Chairman A.J. Boni said that while there haven’t been any problems directly related to terrorism in the township, he felt that a raised awareness will benefit the community.
The supervisors also conducted the following business:
– Approved the use of the Star Junction baseball field for the Perry Area Baseball League and approved the building of a storage shed on the grounds.
– Announced that the township is awaiting reviews by the state Department of Environmental Protection for proposed projects regarding sewerage for the Banning, Whitsett and Wickhaven areas and for corrective measures for flooding along New Town and Greenfield roads.