Friday, January 23, 2004
An attack on local targets could result in substantial loss.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Disgruntled Americans, not radical terrorists, pose the greatest threat to Mahoning County. The most likely method of attack: chemicals or explosives.
That's according to a study completed last year as part of the state homeland security assessment and strategy program, reported leaders of Mahoning County's Community Response Team.
About 50 members of the Mahoning County Volunteers in Police Services Program turned out for a briefing Tuesday at the Boardman Government Center. Speaking were Walter M. Duzzny, Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency executive director; Mahoning County Sheriff Randall Wellington; and Col. Charles Coleman, who retired from the Army.
The study, which reviewed possible threats, risks and response capabilities, did not identify any active organizations or individuals in the county who pose a threat, Coleman said.
Mahoning County is not a likely target for terrorist groups, but at least 22 possible targets have been identified that could be attacked by an individual "who has an ax to grind," Coleman said.
"It's the Timothy McVeighs of the world, the cause-driven, zealous, disgruntled loners who pose the greatest threat," Duzzny told the volunteers.
Targets
The most likely targets, identified by law enforcement, representatives of utility companies, first responders and the agricultural community, are classified. But Coleman said all of them were mentioned by volunteers: roads and highways, hospitals, the Mahoning County Courthouse, schools, police departments, communications towers, gas lines, shopping centers, office buildings, power stations, water treatment plants and fuel distribution centers.
An attack on any one could result in substantial loss of life, substantial impact outside the immediate jurisdiction or would impede ability to provide critical government services, Coleman added.
The study also assessed the capabilities of potential attackers and identified the use of chemicals and explosives as possible weapons to be used in an assault on a Mahoning County target. While biological, radiological and nuclear risks may exist in Mahoning County, Coleman said, it's believed potential attackers either do not have access to them or do not have the capabilities to use them.
Program
The briefing is the first this year for Volunteers in Police Services Program, who have completed 12 hours of training in disaster preparedness.
Wellington started the program last year to help incorporate volunteers in the activities of law enforcement agencies.
In the event of an emergency or disaster, the trained volunteers would assist in areas such as traffic control, impounding abandoned vehicles, searching for missing persons and processing paperwork.
kubik@vindy.com