"The war on terrorism that our country has waged across the world for the past two years has been matched by defense against terrorism here at home. At the federal, state and local level, we have had to rethink the way we protect our citizens. We have had to look at our states, cities and towns the way a lone terrorist would," Gov. Minner said. "We have faced the challenge of maintaining the free and open society terrorists hate so much, while not allowing our permissiveness to become a weapon wielded against us."
Minner said the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (formerly the Department of Public Safety) can better focus on safety issues because divisions responsible for motor vehicle and driver licensing, as well as boiler inspections, have been moved to other departments.
"One of the assets of this reorganized department is focus -- focus on keeping the people, property and resources of our state safe," the governor said. "We have added positions to the department related to bioterrorism, as that is one of the new threats that we face and for which we must prepare."
Minner also signed Executive Order No. 46, creating the Delaware Homeland Security Council. "This new council brings together state officials from safety, health, emergency preparedness, and the National Guard, along with representatives of the fire service, local police and the federal government, to advise the restructured Department of Safety and Homeland Security on 'the prevention, detection, preparation for, protection against, response to, and recovery from terrorist threats or attacks,'" Gov. Minner said, quoting the order.
Safety and Homeland Security Secretary James Ford Jr. said the department will be revamped to focus on its new core mission.
"We have always been and will remain committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens and the visitors to our state. But, we also realize that the world in which we live is changing and the ongoing challenges of providing homeland security will become more difficult," Ford said. "We are reviewing our mission, setting goals, and outlining strategies for this new department so we can meet the ongoing safety and homeland security demands in our state."
"The reorganization of state government and establishment of this Homeland Security Council is a very positive thing for the citizens of Delaware," said Phil Cabaud, Delaware's homeland security advisor.
"And ,it will greatly enhance our ability to deal with the new threats we are facing with the realization that terrorism could strike us here in Delaware,"