A first responders working group established by U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) aims to learn lessons from recent bombings in New York and New Jersey.
The 10th Congressional District’s First Responders Working Group also brings together first responders and law enforcers at the local, state and federal levels to strengthen communication and coordination.
“The value of building relationships across disciplines and across jurisdictions cannot be overstated — especially here in northern New Jersey,” said Payne, the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications. “As the threats we face continue to evolve, it is more important than ever that we continue to coordinate training and exercise activities and to facilitate information sharing.”
The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, demonstrated gaps in preparedness and information sharing among the nation’s emergency response mechanisms. That resulted in federal investments in preparedness, planning, training and exercise activities to bridge divides.
Payne pledged to take back information learned from the working group to Congress where he will fight for resources for New Jersey first responders. The congressman has prioritized ensuring that first responders have the resources and training they need to respond to terrorist threats and natural disasters.
Payne also recently honored four police officers from Linden, New Jersey, for their efforts to apprehend the suspect in recent bombings in New Jersey and New York.