FORWARD

On September 10, 2001, Our organization was consulting in Phoenix making a presentation to several of the

local emergency services directors for the State of Arizona. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the

liabilities they face in every-day communication and ways in which commercial wireless technology could

help increase their effectiveness as first responders. One of the most significant topics discussed was the

transportation of chemical and toxic waste throughout the state, on Interstate 10 and other state highways.

Of specific concern was the incredible amount of nuclear waste that was transported through Arizona to its

ultimate destination in Nevada. Even with the many OSHA requirements for transpiration of volatile

materials, there was much concern over what to do in the event of a serious accident or spill in a populated

area such as Tucson, Phoenix, crossing Hoover Dam, etc. When my staff and I left that day, as with most

meetings of this nature we had more questions than answers. It was our intent to present a comprehensive

response to their wireless communication concerns in a few short weeks.

The next day: September 11, 2001 – Everyone’s focus changed. Being a wireless software provider already

focused on emergency services technology, we took some to try and look at a bigger picture of the impact of

terrorism and disaster situations that would require a multi-agency response. For example, if terrorists are

going to be tactical in how they attack, we need solutions that will also be tactical in preventing or

responding to these actions. For example, terrorists did not smuggle missiles or bombs into the US on

September 11, 2001; they used commercial airlines as their weapon of mass destruction. It is our opinion

that it is more likely that a terrorist within the United States will, for example, use available volatile

materials located here versus attempting to bring such materials into the United States from abroad.