Resolution 2002-4, recognizing Governor Jeb Bush for his leadership and efforts to prepare the State of Florida for the challenges of terrorism following the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001.

WHEREAS, the members of the Florida Police Chiefs Association seek to enhance the safety and security of the millions of people who live, work and play in the State of Florida, and

WHEREAS, the Nation watched the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, as terrorists guided passenger airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, demonstrating an urgent need to prepare the State of Florida against the life threatening acts of terrorists, and

WHEREAS, on the morning of September 11, shortly after the attacks, Governor Jeb Bush directed a critical assessment of our capacity and capability to prevent such attacks in the State of Florida, including our ability to protect 1,300 miles of coastline, 12 deep water ports, 19 major airports and numerous critical assets in our infrastructure, and

WHEREAS, through the Governor's decisive action, seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces involving law enforcement, fire/rescue, education, agriculture, health officials, the business community and volunteers were quickly established, and

WHEREAS, thanks to the support and involvement of Governor Bush there was unprecedented cooperation and collaboration amongst these widely varied participants. Moreover, at his direction, a comprehensive statewide assessment was rapidly completed and one of the first and foremost Domestic Security Plans in the Nation was established, and

WHEREAS, these collective efforts have been recognized by Homeland Security Director, Governor Tom Ridge and Attorney General John Ashcroft, who have stated on numerous occasions that Florida's Domestic Security Plan is a, "Model for the rest of the country."

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Florida Police Chiefs Association highly commends Governor Jeb Bush for his actions, leadership and extraordinary efforts immediately following the events of September 11, 2001, to enhance the public safety, ensure that the critical assets in our state infrastructure are safeguarded, and that the State of Florida continues to be a place where our common values of freedom, prosperity and equality can flourish.

Passed and adopted this 30th day of June, 2002, in Hollywood, Florida, at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.

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