By RFD Radio/WFMB
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner said he is keeping tabs on the ongoing terror concerns in the New York City area.
He doesn’t believe the Land of Lincoln is in the crosshairs, but he’s not taking chances.
“We have no indications of any imminent threats in the state of Illinois, but we are encouraging, reminding everybody to stay vigilant,” Rauner said. “If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement right away.”
Hidden explosives and crude bombs have the New York metro area on edge. While the works of bomb squads are drawing great attention in the New York and New Jersey area, some of their colleagues are meeting in Springfield. The International Association of Bomb Technicians & Investigators conference has kicked off in Springfield.
The Secretary of State’s Police has been known for its bomb squad ever since the unit was formed in the mid 70s. Secretary of State Police Director Sydney Roberts continues to be impressed with the work of the squad.
“I was in awe by the sophistication and the skill and the training that’s required to serve as a bomb technician” Roberts said. “Knowing what I know now, the courage you have each time you go to suspicious package, you go to a device that you have no idea what that device is going to do, to put on that bomb suit.”
Police and first responders from around the Midwest and even some from outside the US are taking part in the conference.
