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PHOTO COURTESY CITY
OF PROVIDENCE
RAYTHEON's Integrated Defense Systems will be responsible
for installing chemical sensors at the Port of Providence,
according to Providence Emergency Management Agency Director
Peter T. Gaynor |
July 28, 2010
New chemical-detection system
to be installed at Port of Providence
By Alissa Foley
PBN Staff Writer
PROVIDENCE – A chemical-detection sensor system funded
by a $593,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant will
be installed in the Port of Providence, city officials announced
last week.
The Smiths Centurion II chemical sensors, developed by Smiths
Detection, are designed to detect and identify various chemical
warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. The cameras
and sensors will be installed to support continuous monitoring
of the port and to alert the community of chemical hazards.
“These chemical sensors will provide our emergency response
personnel with critical information needed to accurately evaluate
potential threats and mobilize quickly to protect the residents
of our state,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline.
According to Providence Emergency Management Agency Director
Peter T. Gaynor, Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems
unit will be responsible for installing the sensors.
Raytheon IDS will also integrate the sensors with PEMA’s
Port Area Waterside Video Surveillance System and Port Security
Communication Network. The two systems are collectively known
as the Rhode Island Common Operating Picture, which provides
security coverage of the port and Narragansett Bay.
Gaynor told Providence Business News that “RICOP would
not be possible without public-private partnerships such as
the one between Providence and ProvPort Inc.,” the nonprofit
organization that contracts with Waterson Terminal Services
to operate the Port of Providence. He added that Waterson
President and Chief Operating Officer Bruce P. Waterson and
his staff have been instrumental to the security improvements
being made to the port area.
The city has started conducting surveys and making other preparations
for the chemical sensors. Gaynor expects the installation
of the sensors to be completed by mid-August.
Additional information is available at www.providenceri.com.
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