In an executive order, signed February 20, 2003, Governor Douglas authorized a new Homeland Security Advisory Council, and named Lt. Governor Brian Dubie to chair the Council. Governor Douglas outlined the purpose of the council as a way 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.

In naming Lt. Governor 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 that capacity, he was deployed to the Gulf Coast in September, 2005 to assist in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Read the Governor's Executive Order at http://www.vermont.gov/governor/orders/executive-orders.shtml