MONTPELIER, VT --Governor James Douglas opened his weekly news conference last Thursday with the announcement of his first executive order, signed February 20, authorizing a new Homeland Security Advisory Council.

He named Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie to chair the Council.

Douglas said the purpose of the council is to improve communication and coordination among the various organizations operating within the state, to optimize emergency preparedness and response, and to protect Vermonters from threats of terrorism. The new Council replaces the Vermont Terrorism Task Force.

In naming Lt. Gov. Dubie to head the group, the Governor said, “Brian brings a wealth of experience to this role. He was at Ground Zero, coordinating FEMA efforts for the US Air Force. For his efforts on 9-11, the Air Force awarded him a Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Cluster. He is currently Emergency Liaison Preparedness Officer with the National Security Emergency Preparedness Agency, and a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.

In addition to Dubie, 17 leaders from state, local and federal government and private organizations have accepted appointments to the council. They include Vermont Emergency Management Direct Albert Lewis of Berlin, Vermont National Guard Adjutant General Martha Rainville of Williston, Vermont State Police Homeland Security Director Lt. David Stanton of Rutland, Police Chief Paul Duquette of Newport, Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux of Hyde Park, Captain Matt Vinci of the South Burlington Fire Department, Chief Real Bazin of the Westminster Fire Department, Rutland Fire Chief Robert Schlacter, Assistant US Attorney Gary
Shattuck of Shrewsbury, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross Donna Baker of Woodford, Highgate Town Manager Larry Kempton, Speaker of the House Walter Freed of Dorset and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Welch of Hartland, Vermont Secretary of Administration Michael Smith, Commissioner of Public Safety Kerry Sleeper, Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Jan Carney, and Vermont Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs Neale Lunderville.

Dubie and many of the new appointees met briefly following the announcement.

“The Governor has made it our mission to make sure Vermont devotes every resource we have, in a comprehensive, coordinated way, to ensure the safety of every Vermonter,” said Dubie, “be it at home, at school, at work, or on our borders.

“Visitors to our state,” he continued, “must also feel safe and welcome in Vermont.”

Dubie says the Council will gather and review existing plans for the various agencies, examining how they fit together and how they can work more effectively and seamlessly. The council will update and make recommendations to the Governor on a quarterly basis.