There have been many changes throughout Alexandria since Sept. 11 – some more visible than others.
”Sept. 11 served to reorder and in some cases establish a new sense of priority,” said Mayor Kerry J. Donley. “We now put security first and foremost in our planning and in the way we approach the day to day aspects of government. From a practical view, security, while always important, now occupies a higher order of attention. From the way we look at the operation of City Hall to the Woodrow Wilson replacement bridge, security is a major, major concern.”
To that end, the city has implemented new emergency operations procedures in every department. The city manager has established a new safety and security committee that reviews and makes recommendations for safety and security improvements to city buildings. Some of these recommendations that have or will soon be implemented are: closing some doors to City Hall at 6 p.m.; requiring photo ID badges for all city employees; improved communication among city staff by using pagers, cell phones and 3-mail; and updating evacuation plans for city buildings.
The Public Safety Center, of course, has a much higher level of security, partly because of the high profile residents at the jail and partly to protect the employees who work there. There are new fences, new monitoring equipment, new gates and other entrance barriers. There is also a visitor’s screening center.
“Sept. 11 has made me more cognizant of my surroundings,” said Councilman William D. Euille. “I pay particular attention to how safe and secure our public facilities are. Overall, I am confident that our public safety officials, along with the city manager, have met all of the needs, citywide, to provide a high level of protection for our citizens in concert with the region.”
Alexandria’s hazardous materials team is the regional response team for hazardous materials incidents, thus the primary team that responds to the Pentagon and other federal installations in Alexandria and Arlington. Members of the police and fire departments have attended many hours of hazardous material training. Many officers have completed a structural collapse technician class. The police department has also significantly increased security at large public events such as parades and the Waterfront festival.
“LIKE MANY OTHERS who live near the Pentagon, my house shuddered on Sept. 11, although I did not know why,” said Councilwoman Claire Eberwein. “It certainly changed my perspective on many things. This summer there was a loud boom and the house shook again. It turned out to be a 60-foot tree that had fallen on my roof. My reaction was immediate. Thank God it was only a tree. I sort of took it in stride and I don’t think I would have a year ago.
“I think the way people have responded is related to both age and experience. Most have grown, seem less insular and are reaching out more than ever as a community. I believe there is a real commitment in city government to be prepared if such an event occurs again.”
The Alexandria Health Department has added a bioterrorist and epidemiologist staff. This staff works closely with state and federal health agencies on training and public awareness issues.
“This is the one-year anniversary of the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center,” Donley said. “It is important that we look back on a day when America was attacked and not only remind ourselves of the horrors and the tragedies of that day but also to bear witness of the resiliency of this country in the way we have responded and the way we have recovered. For me, the resurgence of patriotism is a real result of Sept. 11. I grew up in a time when there were anti-war demonstrations and peace marches but there is an entire generation that has grown up knowing nothing about turbulent times. That has now all changed.”