Security at Florida Armories Increasing
May 31st, 2016 by Mike Vasilinda3 war memorials in other states were defaced over the weekend, adding to fears of active military personnel over a growing realization that not everyone holds soldiers in high esteem And A Mike Vasilinda tells us, Florida is about two spend two million dollars protecting its national guardsmen and women.
We arrived at this National Guard Armory before those inside were told were were coming. Within a minute, our presence there was being questioned.
Nat sot: No, I haven heard from him. He may have spoken with someone else.”
It is a sign of heightened security and concern by those in uniform. This armory was shut down last July by a bomb threat. Now state lawmakers are spending two million dollars to upgrade security at armories around the state, Interim Veterans Affairs Dir Col Glenn Sutfin says it is a sign of the times.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures. I think that we need to be vigilant, just like airports, we check people getting on aircrafts. Coming into the armory we check to make sure you are there for the right reason” says the interim Executive Director.
Upgrades include more cameras, bigger and better locks, and bollards to stop wayward vehicles.
It’s not just extra security. Police cross the state are being asked to drive by more occasionally and look for anything suspicious.
Those in uniform are now armed. Following last years attack that killed five in Tennessee, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Spokesperson Jen Meale says more than 38 thousand active military and guardsmen have been issued expedited concealed carry permits.
“It is important to Commissioner Putnam to expedite these active military and veterans licenses so they could obtain a concealed weapons license” says Meale.
The two million being spent this year is just the start. The Guard will be asking for another four million for security over the next two years.
Florida was one of the first states to beef up armory and recruiting station security in the wake of attacks against the military last year.
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