WHEREAS, the safety and health of every South Carolinian is of paramount importance; and
WHEREAS, in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks upon our nation, it is clear that South Carolina must be vigilant and focused in addressing the threat that terrorism poses to the safety and health of our citizens and visitors; and
WHEREAS, as the state's chief executive and commander-in-chief, it is the Governor's responsibility to protect the citizens of South Carolina from threats and acts of terrorism and to promote initiatives to increase our state's security; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to detect, prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to violence or threats of violence to the person or property of citizens of the State of South Carolina from terrorist activities and to maintain peace, tranquility and good order in the State; and
WHEREAS, prior to and subsequent to September 11, 2001, the Governor has worked aggressively with state health, law enforcement, military, public safety, emergency response and management agencies and officials on extensive anti-terrorism plans and tactics, but it is necessary to objectively examine and reassess the state's security and anti-terrorism resources and level of readiness, to identify and address any weaknesses in current operational measures, and to coordinate and develop an improved comprehensive state homeland security strategy; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that the Governor be continuously apprised of homeland security related issues, consult regularly in a coordinated fashion with public safety and health officials and other private entities, and be provided the most accurate and reliable information and advice available to ensure that all relevant factors are appropriately weighed in the development and implementation of effective and coordinated homeland security measures; and
WHEREAS, the State of South Carolina must coordinate and communicate with the United States Office of Homeland Security established by the President, to assist in the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to secure the United States from terrorist threats and attacks.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby create the position of Special Advisor to the Governor for Homeland Security and appoint Major General Steve Siegfried to that post. The Special Advisor will provide direct counsel and advice to the Governor in all matters related to the detection, preparedness, prevention, protection, and response to terrorist threats and attacks, and serve as the Governor's personal representative and liaison with the United States Office of Homeland Security and the various governmental and private entities in South Carolina involved with homeland security issues, and facilitate the collection from those entities of information pertaining to potential terrorist activities.
Furthermore, I hereby establish the Governor's Security Council, to be comprised of the following persons:
Special Advisor to the Governor for Homeland Security (Chairman)
Adjutant General
Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division
Director of the Department of Public Safety
Executive Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control
Director of the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division
State Fire Marshal
Director of the State Division of Aeronautics
Executive Director of the Department of Transportation
Speaker of the House of Representatives
President Pro Tem of the Senate
Special Agent in Charge for South Carolina of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation
At the direction of and on behalf of the Governor, the Special Advisor to the Governor for Homeland Security shall serve as chairman and convene the council to receive or provide relevant information and to facilitate a coordinated approach to homeland security issues.
I further direct the Special Advisor to the Governor for Homeland Security, working in conjunction with the United States Office of Homeland Security, members of the Governor's Security Council, and other relevant public and private entities, to examine and assess the state's security and anti-terrorism resources and level of readiness, to identify and address any weaknesses in current operational measures, and to coordinate and develop an improved comprehensive state anti-terrorism strategy. The Special Advisor is directed to complete an initial assessment and provide a written report to the Governor and the United States Office of Homeland Security of his findings, recommendations, and actions as soon as practicable, and to continue to keep the Governor and the United States Office of Homeland Security apprised of pertinent information regarding state and national homeland security issues.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 17th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2001.
JIM HODGES
Governor
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:33 A.M.