2011 Vermont Code
Title 03 Appendix Executive Orders
Chapter 20 INTERNAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY
§ 29 20-29. (No. 01-03) [Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council]

Executive Order No. 20-29

(No. 01-03)

[Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council]

WHEREAS, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 will exist forever in the hearts and memories of our nation; and

WHEREAS, our nation and our leaders responded to the tragedies with courage, compassion, and resolve; and

WHEREAS, federal, state, and local governments reacted quickly to the attacks with tighter security and additional resources; the military boosted readiness and training; first responders expanded training and coordinated communications; law enforcement augmented protection in the State and along the borders; emergency managers developed new plans to address new threats; and public health officials and organizations improved and broadened education on bio-terrorism and family safety; and

WHEREAS, despite overwhelming efforts, the threat of terror is still felt around the globe; and

WHEREAS, knowledge, preparedness, and vigilance are the only deterrents against unseen forces willing to sacrifice themselves in order to inflict harm on others; and

WHEREAS, it is vital that Vermonters be confident and comfortable to live their lives and perform their business free from fear; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this state, as set forth in 20 V.S.A. { 1, that the Governor coordinate, to the maximum extent, the protection of the public health and safety as threats remain compelling; and

WHEREAS, to attain the greatest benefit of this protection, it is imperative that there be improved coordination and communication between federal, state, and local governments, the Vermont National Guard, first responders, law enforcement, emergency managers, public health officials, and private community organizations; and

WHEREAS, these key groups should remain in regular contact with the Governor and provide advice and counsel on approaches to strengthen and improve our homeland security preparedness.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, James H. Douglas, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby order and direct that:

1. The Vermont Terrorism Task Force is renamed the "Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council" and redefined and reconstituted as set forth below.

2. The mission of the Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council (herein, "the Council") shall be to assess the State's overall homeland security preparedness, policies, and communications and to advise on strategies to improve our current system.

3. Further, the Council shall carefully consider the interdependencies between federal, state, and local governments, the Vermont National Guard, first responders, law enforcement, emergency managers, public health officials, and private community organizations and the programs these groups administer and advise on strategies to strengthen and bolster those relationships.

4. Further, the Council shall be mindful of available financial resources and advise on strategies that are consistent with existing fiscal realities.

5. The Council shall include members from the following communities, appointed by the Governor: Volunteer Firefighters/EMS; Professional Firefighters; Career Fire Chiefs; Vermont State Police; Municipal Police; Sheriffs; Federal Government; Municipal Government; and Private Community Organizations.

6. The Council shall include the following members or their designees: The Adjutant General; Director of Emergency Management; Secretary of Administration; Speaker of the House; and a member of the Senate appointed by Committee on Committees.

7. The Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, the Commissioner of Health, and the Commissioner of Public Safety shall be ex officio members of the Council.

8. The Governor may request participation of other public or private persons, including agency or department heads, the Attorney General, and the State's Attorneys, as needs dictate.

9. The Governor shall appoint the Chair of the Council.

10. The Council shall meet at the call of the Chair and shall brief the Governor as needed on the State's overall homeland security preparedness, policies, and communications.

11. Administrative and staff support shall be provided by the Department of Public Safety.

12. This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing and shall continue in full force and effect until further order by the Governor.

13. This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order #10-01, which is hereby rescinded.

Dated February 20, 2003.