Homeland Security Seminar to be Held in Avalon

AVALON – The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management are holding “Hometown Security Seminar” to help raise awareness of, and guard against, any potential threats in our region throughout the year.  The seminar is open to the public and will be held Aug. 2 at 10:30 a.m., at the Avalon Community Hall, 30^th Street and the Beach.  The event is geared toward all businesses, their employees, and members of the general public.
“We are proud to partner with these important agencies to increase the awareness and various threat scenarios and security that is needed at our larger venues and special events in Cape May County”, said Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Clark.  “The key to a safer future is education and awareness, and that is exactly what this seminar will provide”, Clark added.
This seminar will provide the opportunity for the business and tourism interests in our region to collaborate with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement and homeland security organizations regarding security issues.  Speakers include Jared Maples, Acting Director of New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor; Cape May County Emergency Management Director Martin Pagliughi; and others experts.
“The United States and other areas of the world have had to respond to a recent history of terrorist attacks around the world at mass gatherings and other public events. Information and education remain a critical key component in preventing these attacks before they occur”, Prosecutor Robert Taylor explained.
Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton, said, “Cape May County is the home to many popular beach concerts, festivals, and special events that attract tens of thousands of people at one time.  This seminar will provide guidance for event planners and the general public with risk mitigation and the reporting of suspicious activity.”
“It is tremendously important for countywide public sector agencies to work together in advance of a large festival, concert, or event, to provide a heightened level of safety and security to the public”, OEM Director, Martin Pagliughi said.  “We must work together with the leaders in the tourism and special event communities to deter various threats and provide community resilience before any disruptive events may occur”, he added.
The Homeland Security Seminar is free and the public is encouraged to attend.