>Jeffrey Alderton
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Mon May 02, 2011, 11:51 PM EDT
— CUMBERLAND — Local law enforcement remained “vigilant” Monday following word that 9/11 terrorism mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in a firefight Sunday at his hideout in Pakistan.
“In the wake of Osama bin Laden being killed in the raid on yesterday’s date, the Maryland State Police have directed all troopers to remain vigilant in their patrol activities related to national security,” said Lt. Todd May, Maryland State Police commander of the Cumberland barrack.
“Although no specific threats or warnings have been released at this time, troopers have been instructed to step up patrol checks of government facilities and critical infrastructure sites in their area of responsibility,” said May.
In Cumberland, police were also remaining vigilant.
“With the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden, Cumberland Police Department officers continue to closely monitor all national intelligence reports while remaining vigilant for any suspicious activity,” said Cumberland Police Chief Charles Hinnant.
“The amount of time taken to locate and positively identify Bin Laden is a testimony to our military and intelligence officials on the national level, remaining steadfast in their objective,” said Hinnant.
Allegany County Bureau of Chief Police J. Robert Dick said late Monday afternoon that he was not aware of any threats and that lines of communication between local, state and federal agencies remain open to share information for the the “benefit of all of our citizens.”
“I think every American can be very proud of our military and the job they did, and special compliments to the CIA and SEAL Team 6.”
Dick urged residents to not delay in contacting police in the case of unusual or suspicious activity. “Don’t hesitate to call police. You are never a bother. If you see anything out of the ordinary or of a suspicious nature, call your nearest police agency right away. It is never a bother.”
In Garrett County, Maryland State Police Lt. Mischael Frey, commander of the McHenry barrack, said, “Personnel will be extra alert regarding activities which could be a threat to national security. I have directed McHenry barrack personnel to be extra vigilant during the patrols for any suspicious activities. There will be additional checking of government/critical infrastructures within our areas of responsibilities beyond the norm.”
Gov. Martin O’Malley reminded state and local officials Monday to be “extra vigilant” in case of reprisals following bin Laden’s death.
The governor spoke with numerous officials in a conference call “to make sure they are in constant communication and cooperating with federal agencies,” said O’Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese.
Edward McDonough, spokesman for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, said about a dozen state agencies were on the conference call, including transportation and health departments and the Maryland State Police.
Although there were no known threats Monday afternoon, law enforcement in Maryland and other states were reportedly on a heightened state of awareness in the aftermath of bin Laden’s death.
Efforts by the Times-News to obtain comments from others heads of law enforcement agencies throughout the region were unsuccessful.
Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com
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