Great Lakes Agencies Discuss Contingencies

US & Canada Great Lakes agency leaders met in Cleveland to discuss emergency preparedness and security issues

Hosted by the US Coastguard, about three dozen Great Lakes agency leaders from the U.S. and Canada participated in a binational multi-agency meeting, at the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building in Cleveland, to discuss various emergency preparedness and security issues concerning the Great Lakes region.

The meeting, titled “Strategic Surprise: Sharing Solutions for the Great Lakes,” featured a presentation by homeland security expert Dr. Stephen E. Flynn, co-director of the Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security at Northeastern University, and facilitated discussions by Dr. Joe DiRenzo III, the deputy operational planning and anti-terrorism coordinator for Coast Guard Atlantic Area.

The event was hosted by Rear Adm. Michael N. Parks, 9th Coast Guard District commander.

“Today was a great opportunity to strengthen our strategic partnerships and discuss our shared commitment to assessing and managing risk throughout the Great Lakes region,” said Parks.  “Binational cooperation is key to ensuring the safety, security and prosperity of our citizens and resources.”

“To wait until the next disaster — whether it’s natural or man-made in nature — to forge these partnerships would be a disservice to citizens and visitors to the U.S. and Canada.”