MILWAUKEE  – The Coast Guard provided a staging area for numerous federal, state and local response agencies to enforce safety and security during the Harley-Davidson 100^th Anniversary Celebration.

Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world attended the celebration from August 27-31, 2003.  The majority of events took place at various locations along Milwaukee’s Lakefront.

The Coast Guard facility was an ideal location to house response agencies for the Harley-Davidson events.  The base provided close proximity to the events, easy access to major transportation routes and detailed support to accommodate people, vehicles and equipment.

Federal, state and local agencies who operated from the Coast Guard’s facility included: the FBI, ATF, Milwaukee Fire Department Hazmat Team, Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Biological Emergency Support Team, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Milwaukee Health Department, WI Emergency Management, Milwaukee County Emergency Management and Amateur Radio Emergency Support. 

Dozens of highly trained personnel and specialized response vehicles were staged at the base.  “This coordinated effort shows our capability and dedication to ensuring the safety of the people of Milwaukee,” said Deputy Chief Peter Putchinski of the Milwaukee Fire Department.

The size, international interest, and publicity of the event warranted the response preparations.  A broad range of capabilities was available to handle possible threats and emergencies.  Some of these capabilities included hazmat units trained to detect, identify and respond to chemical, biological, and radiological agents; K-9 teams trained to detect bombs; local and federal bomb squads trained to disable an explosive device; bomb disposal robots; specialized teams who monitored the local environment for biological agents; conducting surveillance at local area hospitals and monitoring unusual cases or increases of diseases; and state of the art communication systems. 

In addition to providing the staging area for the Harley-Davidson event, the Coast Guard also increased boat and harbor security patrols during the celebration.

“The facilities at the Coast Guard Base provided a unique opportunity to support and work with our fellow Homeland Security partners to increase safety and security along Milwaukee’s Lakefront,” said CDR Mark Hamilton, Captain of the Port, Milwaukee

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