In Utah’s second largest city, West Valley City, the homeland security operations are conducted by the West Valley City Fire Department (WVCFD). The WVCFD responds to a variety of threats to public safety including hazardous material incidents, technical rescues and bomb or terrorist emergencies. This 80 person department is distributed across the city in five fire stations. WVCFD personnel also work with medical and social services agencies to help raise public awareness about possible terrorist activity and preparing for an attack.
The Utah Department of Homeland Security also provides critical oversight of homeland security initiatives in the West Valley City area. This includes resources from the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. More than $50 million in funds, training resources and equipment have been provided to limit the threat of an attack on major chemical depots within the area.
One of the most important homeland security programs in West Valley City is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This chapter of the national program has completed 68 classes with more than 1,254 graduates since the program began. CERT is intended to provide skills to members of the public which would enhance chances of survival following a terrorist incident. These skills include basic first aid, amateur radio operation and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) awareness.
Terrorist Incidents in West Valley City
In April of 2013, James Ramsey Kammeyer was arrested for making terrorist threats, possession of a firearm by an unauthorized person and aggravated assault after he pulled a handgun on an officer in a police station. Kammeyer was shot twice in the arm and no one else was injured.
Qualifications for Homeland Security Professionals in West Valley City, Utah
Homeland security is a vital profession for West Valley City, Utah. Professionals with experience in information security, CBRNE operations, hazardous materials management, public health and business administration may find homeland security jobs in West Valley City, Utah if they possess the following qualifications:
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to acquire a security clearance
- Understanding of federal, state and local homeland security laws
- A bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in
- Information technology
- Terrorism studies
- Law enforcement
- Public policy
- Business management
- Knowledge of homeland security systems including HSEEP, NRF, and NIMS
While many homeland security professionals enter the field with a degree, additional training is often required to practice. This specialized training may be obtained through local or national colleges which offer certificate programs similar to graduate degree programs. The curricula for these certifications typically require several months of courses and may sometimes be offered online.
There are also a number of industry associations which offer certification programs like the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, which offers the Certified in Homeland Security designation, and the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition, which offers the Certified Homeland Protection Professional designation.