Guarding Against Terrorism A Community Effort, Mayors Told

BRICK, NJ -- As terrorism -- both at home and abroad -- continues to be a threat, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors Winter Summit took a look at the impact on local towns, including Brick. And an attentive public can help combat it, officials say.

Brick Mayor John G. Ducey attended the event on Thursday that focused on terrorism. Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, director of the N.J. Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness’, was the keynote speaker.

Rodriguez briefed the mayors in attendance on office’s efforts to prevent terrorist attacks throughout the state, noting that terrorists were the most active they have been since 9/11, citing the attacks in San Bernardino and Paris.

The OHSP has assessed that the highest threat level to N.J. in 2016 are homegrown violent extremists: individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations and radicalized in the countries in which they are born, raised, or reside.

In 2015, five ISIS-affiliated terrorist arrests were captured in New Jersey.

“Terrorism has become an important issue in this country” Ducey said. “We are fortunate to have one of the finest police departments in the state working to keep us safe.”

“Reports of all threats, no matter the source, are taken extremely seriously,” he said. “ Police Chief Jim Riccio works very closely with the Office of Homeland Security and is committed to the safety of our residents.”

Rodriguez encouraged the mayors and other municipal leaders to spread the message that an informed public is an important part of the fight against terrorism.

For more information on the OHSP’s 2016 Terrorism Threat Assessment, please visit njhomelandsecurity.gov. All residents are encouraged to contact the Brick Police Department at (732) 262-1150 to report any suspicious activity.