Terrorism has its own universal language. It’s just the delivery that differs.
Deciphering the message was the theme of the seventh annual United Kingdom/United States Fire Service Symposium hosted by the Alexandria Fire Department, March 17 -20. Forty-five fire chiefs from throughout both countries concentrated on developing responses to terrorist attacks and trying to understand their genesis.
"The United Kingdom fire departments are as concerned as we are with responding to terrorism," said fire chief William Peterson of Plano,Texas, a co-founder of the symposium. "The departments of our two nations have forged a real partnership over the past seven years."
His counterpart from the UK, Dennis Davis, HM chief inspector for Fire Service Inspectorate, Scotland, said, "The object is to get the chiefs together to improve both services by learning from one another. It's often just a matter of language and a difference in terminology.
"We alternate between the U.S. and England. The first symposium was held in Orlando because I figured you Yanks wouldn't travel abroad since you have such a big country. But since then it's back and forth. Last year it was in Belfast, Ireland, and next year it'll be in Plymouth, England," Davis said.
In this country, the symposium moves from state to state. This year the United States had fire chiefs from 20 states in attendance.
Each symposium concentrates on a particular element of fire-service expertise. This year it zeroed in on Sept. 11 and the demands placed on firefighters here and in New York City. It also grappled with the reactions within the Islamic community.
"There was a briefing at the Islamic Center in Falls Church. It emphasized how Islam is opposed to terrorism and Muslims' reactions to the events of Sept. 11," said Bill Kehoe, Alexandria symposium project coordinator.
"We also had a tour of the U.S. Capitol, which demonstrated how they have improved fire protection within those buildings," Kehoe said. "Much of the safety apparatus is hidden from view and is very high-tech."
On March 19, the group assembled at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial to view a detailed presentation by Davis and Simon Webb, head of operational practices, HM Fire Service Inspectorate, UK, regarding the impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United Kingdom Fire Service.
As Davis said, "We have been dealing with terrorists for a long time in England, but ours have been quite different. They are not these suicide bombers. Ours want to get as far away as possible before the bomb detonates. Sept. 11 brought a whole new perspective."
Fire departments throughout the U.K. have collected more than $1 million for the victims of Sept. 11, according to Davis. The recipients have been in both the Washington and New York City areas.
In addition to the symposium topics and visits related to this year's topic, spouses and partners of the chiefs visited the British Embassy, where they served as ambassadors for their home cities and enjoyed afternoon tea, Kehoe said.
On March 18, the entire contingent gathered at Alexandria's Old Town Fire Station, 317 Prince St., to enjoy a typical firehouse meal. They also received briefings from various vendors on the latest leading-edge technology designed to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
"Those who attend differ from year to year. They are chosen by the two co-founders. It is by invitation only based on the topics to be discussed and individual requests," Kehoe said.