The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in coordination with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be hosting a meeting intended to provide faith leaders with the security resources needed to keep their communities safe.
According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, the “Houses of Worship Security Program” will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the Hudson County Schools of Technology, 1 High Tech Way in Secaucus, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Speakers will include Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, NJOHSP Division Director Thomas Hauck, Randy Parkes of the NJOHSP Training & Exercise Bureau, Ehtasham Chaudhry of the NJOHSP Operations Bureau, FEMA Faith-Based Coordinator Race Hodges, and DHS Protective Security Advisor Dan Schultz.
Topics to be discussed include active shooter response training, new state legislative emergency planning requirements for houses of worship, and other essential resources available to faith-based organizations.
“As one of the most diverse communities in the country, Hudson County is a melting pot of all races, ethnicities, and religions,” said Suarez. “Houses of worship should be safe spaces for individuals to freely practice their religion, without any concern for their safety. We, along with our State and Federal partners, are committed to working with all faith leaders to ensure they have access to resources to keep their congregations safe and prepared in the event of an emergency.”
Photo by Brett Sayles