FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Antonia Lindauer

Office: 502-564-2081

Cell: 502-330-3733


Homeland Security Director Opens Paducah Field Office

PADUCAH, Ky. (March 19, 2008) – Adam Edelen, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) today announced the opening of a KOHS Field Office in Paducah. The office will be located in McCracken County ’s newly-acquired National Guard Building on Clarks Street in Paducah .

“We are thrilled to announce that the McCracken County Judge Executive and local officials have set aside space for a Homeland Security Field Office in Paducah ,” said Edelen. “We are only as strong as the relationships we have with our communities’ law enforcement officers and first responders. Giving our staff the ability to work out of Paducah will significantly enhance those relationships.”

McCracken County Judge Executive Van Newberry said, “It is McCracken County ’s honor to provide an office at our Emergency Management facility to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. Having a physical presence in our area speaks loudly to their commitment to McCracken County and our surrounding communities.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Governor Beshear has made it a strong part of his new administration to make the Office of Homeland Security more accessible to all regions of the state.

During the Fletcher years, this office was used as a political football. Issues such as Real ID ($ 150 dollar license for citizens) and the allocation of security grants, urban vs. rural security threats, and the controversial Fusion Center clouded any discussion about the proper role for having a strong Homeland Security Office within Kentucky state government.

Establishing regional offices for this new part of 21st Century state government is a step in the right direction.