ASIS-HOUSTON CHAPTER MINUTES

5/18/06

 

The luncheon meeting was held at the Renaissance Hotel Chairman John Brady presiding.  33 members and guests attended.

 

Prayer and Pledge:  John Brady

The meeting started with the introduction of guests and new members.

 

COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

Web: Several of our new attendees mentioned the web site as an excellent source of information for joining and meeting information.  We received positive feedback from the first web-stream presentation of last month’s speaker.  The Executive Committee met on 5/11 and voted to purchase the equipment for future programs.  The biggest cost is the production, and we hope to find sponsors.  We hope to produce 3-4 opportunities a year.

Golf: The Tournament was a great success.  We had perfect weather.  Team photos were displayed for pickup.

Treasurer’s report: Unavailable at the time of the meeting.

Placement: There are several new postings in the placement section.

Training Opportunity:  Houston Chapter members may register for the Maritime Awareness Security Terrorism Training (MASTT) on June 14-15, 2006.  There is no charge for attending this conference; however they are seeking eighteen sponsorships.  Our Chapter’s annual seminar will be held in November.  There will be five days of training available: 2 days will provide Hazwoper Training with a limit of 25 attendees; 2 days of a variety of training topics; and a final day dedicated to the Oil/Gas/Port industry.  AIG has generously offered the use of their conference center.

Certifications: The next PSP review ill be held on June 7, 21 and 28.  The location is TBD.

 

Public Service Award:  Harris County Deputy Sheriff Frank Donalson.

Greg Walker, Esq., ARM, CPP introduced our honoree, accompanied by Captain Paul Cordova.

Deputy Donalson started his law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department in 1984.  He then worked with the border patrol for several years before joining the HCSO in 2000.

 

On January 21, 2006, Deputy Donalson responded to a major accident.  While relaying the call information, dispatch mentioned that the driver was possibly trapped inside the vehicle and that the vehicle was on fire.  Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Donalson confirmed that the driver was still in the vehicle.  Deputy Donalson immediately retrieved the fire extinguisher from his patrol car and attempted to extinguish the flames, however, he was unable to contain the fire.  Without regard for his own safety, he entered the burning vehicle and attempted to pull the driver to safety.  He soon learned that the driver’s legs were pinned beneath the dashboard.  As Deputy Donalson struggled to free the driver, a helpful citizen, Mr. Carl Brodehausen, also entered the burning vehicle and began trying to free the driver.  Together, Deputy Donalson and Mr. Brodehausen were able to release the driver’s legs from beneath the dashboard and pull him to safety.

 

During this incident, the driver of the vehicle suffered second-degree burns to his arms, feet and upper body.  Were it not for the quick and decisive actions of Deputy Donalson and Mr. Brodehausen, this incident would have ended tragically.  By risking their own lives to save the life of a stranger, Deputy Donalson and Mr. Brodehausen demonstrated a commitment to the preservation of life that greatly exceeds expectations.  They are credited with saving a life that day.  We were unable to contact Mr. Brodehausen to include him in today’s acclaimation.

 

Deputy Donalson accepted a plaque as a token of our appreciation.

 

Speaker:  LTJG Brian Sadler

            Port State Marine Inspector; Sector Houston/Galveston

            USCG

Topic:  Update on USCG Operations

 

The U.S. Coast Guard is smaller than the New York Police Department yet straddles responsibilities of both the military and law enforcement.  They are transitioning more to maritime safety from drug enforcement activities.

 

The biggest change recently has been in the command structure and the increase in receiving law enforcement training as the crossover from a military function.

 

There are four strategies:

Protect from terrorist attacks within the U.S. Maritime Domain.

Reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorist attacks.

Protect the Maritime Transport system, population centers and national infrastructures.

Minimize damage and recover from any attack.

 

The Houston/Galveston port has 9,000 arrivals each year; compared to 450 in Anchorage, Alaska’s port.  The new command structure was designed to facilitate prevention and response to incidents through two basic service delivery processes: prevention and response.  Training for every type of incident is a great challenge and extends beyond the Coast Guard’s expertise in Search and Rescue.  The new command structure operates under a single commander, in a defined geographic area, allowing unity of command.  This is particularly important when responding to incidents for four deep-water entrances with seven major ports.  Only the Coast Guard Air Command operates under separate leadership.  These changes in command are transparent to Industry and should allow an increased response time.  Information-sharing with other agencies, such as the FBI and the CIA, has also improved with this command structure.

 

The largest ship can carry 3,000 containers, offering a daunting task for inspectors.  Random boarding applies to both foreign and US flag ships.  The Boarding Officer must follow specific policies and procedures, such as providing ID and accepting escort if requested.  However, they are authorized to carry firearms and are exempt from luggage and vehicle searches.  If the Coast Guard is not allowed to inspect a vessel, it is not allowed in port.  The Customs Department reviews the manifests first and they are responsible for finding undocumented workers.

 

Our own processing system is our worst enemy if someone wants to manipulate that very system.  It is critical to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to prevent malicious incidents.  It is the Coast Guard’s responsibility to review the ship’s security/safety plans and maintain quality control.

 

LTJG Sadler was awarded a plaque in appreciation of his time and presentation.

 

 

The next meeting is June 15th.  Our speaker is Cecilia Sinclair, Chief Meteorologist with Fox News.  She will discuss the media’s role in Hurricane Preparation and Response.