Whereas, the terrorist air attack at the Pentagon on September 11 vividly demonstrated new threats to public safety here in Arlington, in addition to ongoing crime and violence; and

Whereas, the use of a jetliner as an attack weapon was unprecedented in scope, far beyond the range of normal contingency planning; and

Whereas, Arlington County’s police, fire and emergency medical services units responded promptly and professionally at the crash site, helping workers to escape the building and treating victims; and

Whereas, Arlington firefighters worked bravely for days to extinguish the fire in the Pentagon building, so that rescue and recovery efforts could proceed; and

Whereas, Arlington police officers promptly established crime-scene security at the site, helping to gather evidence and to divert traffic; and

Whereas, Arlington EMS units responded quickly, to treat people at the scene and transport victims to local hospitals, and also to treat firefighters; and

Whereas, aside from terrorist attacks, Arlington faces other ongoing public-safety concerns, including a rising crime rate and indications of gang-related violence in some areas; and

Whereas, the County’s police, fire and EMS resources were already operating on an understaffed basis, with insufficient support from the County Board;

Now, therefore, the Arlington County Republican Committee resolves:

We applaud the bravery, skill and professionalism demonstrated by the men and women of Arlington’s public-safety teams in the hours and days following the attack on the Pentagon;

We appreciate the emergency resources provided by Fairfax County and other nearby jurisdictions, and the invaluable work of the Arlington Red Cross (including Dan Krasnegor, President) and other volunteer groups; and

We urge the County Board to address the identified staffing deficiencies and retention problems affecting the police, fire and EMS agencies, to help provide greater assurances of public safety for those who live and work in Arlington.

Considered and adopted by the Arlington County Republican Committee at its monthly meeting on September 27, 2001, in Arlington, Virginia.

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