From left, Mayor Tom Rowland, Assistant Commissioner Purkey, state Senator Mike Bell, state Representative Dan Howell
Local law enforcement officers and political leaders should be vigilant for possible terrorist attacks, a state official said in Cleveland on Tuesday.
David Purkey, assistant commissioner for homeland security at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, talked with some officers representing the Cleveland Police Department and the Bradley County Sheriff's Department during a stop at the Cleveland Regional Jetport.
"The worst thing we can be accused of is a failure to be prepared to act," Mr.
Purkey said.
Some recent terrorist activity involved people known to have passed through Nashville, he said. There will be increased security when the Tennessee General Assembly begins its next session, Mr. Purkey said.
"You are not only dealing with the criminal element but this new threat as well," Mr. Purkey told officers.
Mayor Tom Rowland, who sits on the Tennessee Homeland Security Council, said "there's no better friend of law enforcement than David. He has been here many times and we are glad to call him a friend."
Attending the impromptu meeting were 9th District state Senator Mike Bell and 22nd District state Representative Dan Howell. Tenth District state Senator Todd Gardenhire and 24th District state Representative Kevin Brooks had scheduling conflicts.
Dewey Woody, former Bradley County Fire and Rescue Chief and recently appointed deputy director at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, also took part in the discussion.