The state’s new emergency command center in Centennial is an impressive operation that embodies the recent realization that emergency planning is an essential anchor of homeland security.
The Owens administration has stepped smartly to the task of updating state facilities for disaster response, whether it’s a raging wildfire or a sneak attack on a municipal water supply.
The center is equipped with state- of-the-art satellite phones, modern computer systems and strategic response capabilities. It was built at an efficient price of $2.7 million due to co-locating with the South Metro Fire District.
Many facets of the center date from lessons learned from the 1999 Columbine High School shootings, when uncoordinated communications created response delays.
With the center up and running, Coloradans can take comfort in knowing that in crises, the center will knit together such first responders as local police and fire officials with state law enforcement and public health. The goal is to help save lives, minimize damage and reduce the state’s vulnerability to disasters. We hope the center is never tested in a terrorist-related attack, but undoubtedly it will serve a critical role in the event of a destructive fire, a winter storm or other major event requiring rapid local, state and federal response.
The center contains a secure teleconference room that allows the governor and president to talk privately. Also housed in the center is the Colorado Information Analysis Center where analysts collect and analyze terrorism-related information.
The center replaces the smaller, antiquated command “bunker” at Camp George West in Golden, which will remain in place as a backup.
The new center is designed for an uncertain future and will serve the state, as center chief Gen. Tommy Grier says, “in all hazards.” Building the facility shows that state government hamstrung by budget woes can step up to urgent challenges.
