In view of the events of the past week, we are late getting this newsletter to you. I have made the decision that, instead of the usual articles, I would share with you the following.
Note: Information for this newsletter may be sent to
Edith Rodano, Office of Safety and Security, Federal Transit Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D. C. 20590 (202, 366-0191; Fax: 366-7951) or Edith.Rodano@fta.dot.gov by August 15, 2000.
From Australia
I would just like to take a few moments of your time to offer my deepest sympathy and that of my colleagues from the Camden Local Area Command at the tragic loss of life that has befallen our police friends in your country, not to mention the members of the fire brigade and the countless thousands of others who have perished as a result of this insane act.
I hope that the knowledge that others feel deeply for your loss in some way eases the pain.
Our Police Federation of Australia has initiated a fund raising drive that each state police union is supporting. I hope that in some small way this may assist the families of those who have lost loved ones.
If possible please pass on through your newsletter our thoughts.
Regards,
Alan G Smith, Inspector
Camden Local Area Command
New South Wales Police Service, Australia.
From Canada
We are forever changed. The news media brought us live pictures of the carnage and desolation in New York and the Pentagon. I realized almost immediately that the destruction and death arising from the terrorists’ attacks would be overwhelming to all those immediately affected. What I didn't realize was the affect it would have on me, my family, and the citizens of our country.
We stared in disbelief, repeating “this is unbelievable” and “how can this be happening?” Many descriptive words were used by the media to describe the events as they unfolded. Words like tragic, disastrous, catastrophic, heartbreaking, appalling and terrible. They all seem to fit yet do not quite convey the full gravity of events. I stopped to think about the last time I saw a crowd of 5,000 people and imagined that they were suddenly wiped out. I very nearly vomited at the thought. I found that I was not alone. People here in Toronto, in Ottawa and all over the country shared the same feelings. Disbelief, outrage and revenge.
On Friday, September 14, 2001, at 12:20 PM, Canada stood still. The 3 minutes of silence was deafening. Thousands and thousands of people stopped, bowed their heads and silently prayed. Respect for the victims. In Toronto 500 plus workers at City Hall gathered outside in the courtyard, the Metropolitan United Church was filled to capacity, at the University of Toronto over 1,500 people stood silently, over 1,000 people at BCE Place in the downtown core gathered to pay their respects. The Toronto Transit Commission ordered all transit vehicles to stop. The city was frozen.
In Ottawa there were over one hundred thousand people standing on the front lawn of our Parliament Buildings watching and listening to the words of the Prime Minister. Bells tolled while Canadian and American flags flew together. The words spoken were merely words. The actions of Canadians spoke volumes.
It is difficult for me to express to you my sorrow and anguish. I cannot fathom the pain you must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take care and stay safe.
I have included some comments from the Toronto Star newspaper. If nothing else, you are not alone.
Al Robinson
Newmarket, Ontario
From the Toronto Star
I have stood silently in my backyard so many times to look from Canada south toward the Untied States of America. The border cannot stop our hearts from being with our American friends and neighbours. Sharon King, Port Sydney
The pain and sorrow we Canadians feel across the border pales in comparison to what each and every one of you is enduring. What you must know is that we are praying for you as you rebuild and heal. We are now one and we will stand tall once again. Derek Kirkpatrick, Guelph
A cry too deep for a sound is caught within us. My silent tears are for you all. Edith Bradshaw, Edmonton
Please know that Canadians grieve with you in this dark hour of history. You have been our closest friends, our strongest and loyal allies, our true cousins when we needed you. Now when you have need, know that Canada is with you and will help in whatever way we can. John Cavan, Toronto
On behalf of the paramedics and support staff of York Regions EMS, I would like to pass along our deepest sympathies to our brothers and sisters and the families of our fallen paramedics who perished saving lives. Lorne Cowx, York Region
My name is Jordan. I am 7 years old. I am sorry this happened. I know there is not much I can do. No more hatred, no more violence. I want the world to stop this. Jordan Fralick, Hawkestone
I will pray for the families who have lost their loved ones, and for those who are still trapped underneath the rubble so that soon, they will see and feel the beautiful September sun on their face. God bless you all. Shaharin Khan, Toronto
As I struggle for any words, knowing that I lost three very good personal friends in the last 48 hours, I can say only that watching the people of New York City attend to those who are in need is the greatest tribute. Heidi Graf, Toronto
Although I feel detached, as if I'm watching a movie, my heart aches for the victims, the families and friends of this surreal nightmare. I can't imagine what it's like to survive something so horrid and I hope those affected can find the strength to keep going. Corinne Herman, Toronto
My words and sympathies alone cannot erase the horror you have experienced firsthand. My only hope is that my message, together with hundreds of messages from fellow Canadians will encourage you to press on and know that you have people standing behind you. Julianne Frandsen, Waterloo
From South Africa
Just to let you know that I am thinking of you and your nation at this time.
Regards,
OLIVER PAGE
CSIR/Transportek
Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA
9/2-8/01 International Association of Geodesy 2001 Scientific Assembly, Budapest, Hungary (Fax: +36 1386 9378; richter@sztaki.hu; www.sztaki.hu/conferences/iag2001)
9/11 Federal Technology Exposition—Justice Department (800, 878-2940; www.fbinc.com)
9/11-14/01 Street Smart from 9 to 5, Boston, MA, Crisis Prevention Institute (847, 679-8900)
9/11-14/01 14th International Technical Meeting of the Institute of Navigation, Salt Lake City, UT (703, 683-7101; Fax: 683-7105; meetings@ion.org; www.ion.org)
9/17-19/01 Technologies for Public Safety in Critical Incident Response 2001, National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (888, 475-1919; www.nlectc.org)
9/30-10-4/01 American Public Transportation Association Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA (202, 496-4800; www.meetings@apta.com)
10/23-26/01 Street Smart from 9 to 5, Milwaukee, WI, Crisis Prevention Institute (847, 679-8900)
10/27-31/01 108th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, Toronto, Ontario (800, THE IACP)
11/13-16/01 Street Smart from 9 to 5, Cleveland, OH, Crisis Prevention Institute (847, 679-8900)
12/11-14/01 Street Smart from 9 to 5, San Francisco, CA, Crisis Prevention Institute (847, 679-8900)
1/13-17/02 Transportation Research Board 81st Annual Conference, Washington, DC (202, 334-2934; Fax: 334-2003)
6/10-14/02 American Public Transportation Association Rapid Transit Conference, Baltimore, MD (202, 496-4800)
9/5-6/02 109th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, Minneapolis, MN (800, THE IACP)
9/23-25/02 American Public Transportation Association International Public Transit Expo 2002, Las Vegas, NV (202, 496-4800; www.meetings@apta.com)
10/12-16/03 American Public Transportation Association Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT (202, 496-4800)
10/5-6/04 111th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, Los Angeles, CA )800, THE IACP)
10/5-6/05 112th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, Los Angeles, CA (800, THE IACP)
9/10-21/01 Collision Investigation for Transit Police and Law Enforcement, Oklahoma City, OK, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/11-12/01 Fatigue Awareness Seminar, Oakland, CA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/10-21/01 Collision Investigation for Transit Police and Law Enforcement, Oklahoma City, OK, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/12-14/01 Substance Abuse Management and Program Compliance, Grand Junction, CO, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/3-4/01 Fatigue Awareness, Salt Lake City, UT, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/15-19/01 Transit System Security, Murfreesboro, TN, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/16-18/01 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Washington, DC, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/23/01 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Rail Hijackings, Salt Lake City, UT, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/24/01 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Rail Hijackings, Salt Lake City, UT, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/30/01 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Rail Hijackings, San Juan, PR, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
10/31/01 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Rail Hijackings, San Juan, PR, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
11/27/01 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Rail Hijackings, Oakland, CA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
*
11/28/01 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Rail Hijackings, Oakland, CA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
12/3-7/01 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Mufreesboro, TN, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
12/10-14/01 Transit System Security, San Juan, PR, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
12/17-18/01 Fatigue Awareness, Detroit, MI, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
1/8-10/01 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Detroit, MI, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
1/14-18/02 Transit System Security, Baltimore, MD, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
2/5-6/02 Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Long Beach, CA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
2/11-15/02 Transit System Security, Orlando, FL, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
2/25-3/1/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, San Juan, PR, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
3/12-13/02 Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Richmond, KY, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
3/18-22/02 Transit System Security (closed to outside participants), Bayamon, PR, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
3/18-22/01 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Alexandria, VA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
4/11-12/02 Fatigue Awareness, Miami, FL, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
5/6-10/02 Transit System Security, Daytona, FL, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
5/6-10/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Detroit, MI, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
5/14/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, Phoenix, AZ, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
5/15/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, Phoenix, AZ, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
5/29-30/02 Fatigue Awareness, Daytona, FL, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
5/29-30/02 Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Seattle, WA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
6/3-7/02 Transit System Security, Phoenix, AZ, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
6/10-14/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Lakeland, FL, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
6/19/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, Marietta, GA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
6/20/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, Marietta, GA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
6/25-26/02 Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Austin, TX, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
7/17/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, San Jose, CA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
7/17-18/02 Fatigue Awareness, St. Louis, MO, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
7/18/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, San Jose, CA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
7/22-26/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Orange, California, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
7/28-8/2/02 Transit System Security, Columbus, OH, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
8/7-8/02 Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Phoenix, AZ, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
8/26-30/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emerge (closed to outside participants)ncies, Bayamon, PR, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/4/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, Seattle, WA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/5/02 Threat Management and Emergency Response to Bus Hijackings Seminar, Seattle, WA, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/9-13/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Lexington, KY, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
9/23-27/02 Effectively Managing Transit Emergencies, Phoenix, AZ, Federal Transit Administration and Transportation Safety Institute (405, 954-3682; Fax: 954-0367)
Let Us Hear From You.
If you have any activities that would be of interest regarding transit security, a staff member whom you want to commend for some outstanding or heroic action, or just about anything dealing with transit security, please let us hear from you. Fax your material to the number below--we will find a place for it in the newsletter.
Address Corrections. If you note any inaccuracies on the address label, please fax or E-mail corrections to the number below along with your phone and Fax numbers and E-mail address.
___________________________________________________