HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 70

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY ENSURE TRAINING FOR SECOND-LINE EMERGENCY PROVIDERS IN THE EVENT THAT FIRST RESPONDERS ARE CALLED TO DUTY AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL DUE TO A TERRORIST ATTACK.

     WHEREAS, first responder training and preparedness has been a priority for the United States government and state governments as the country deals with the threat of terrorist attacks; and

     WHEREAS, with New Mexico first responders being called into service outside of their communities, concern exists about who will be available to serve in their place and if those replacements will be trained and ready to serve in the event of an emergency; and

     WHEREAS, the department of public safety is responsible for the state's all-hazards mitigation plan, and the governor's office of homeland security is responsible for ensuring that state response plans for disasters and terrorist attacks are up to date and coordinated with all relevant agencies;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of public safety and the governor's office of homeland security, in consultation with other relevant state agencies and local governments, be requested to review disaster response plans to ensure that the ranks of first responders are filled and that there are adequate numbers of personnel available and trained to supplement those ranks or serve in their stead when necessary; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public safety and the director of the governor's office of homeland security.

- 2 -