Guest Editorial by Charles Werner, Director – DRONERESPONDERS
The true threat to our democracy is the silencing of free speech.
Increasingly, people with opposing views are being harassed, protested against, and/or canceled.
Much of this attack on free speech is being propagated, communicated, and planned over social media.
Social media offers many opportunities to spread lies and hatred anonymously without consequence when people are hurt, or destruction occurs. More often, there are messages of rage and a lack of empathy, even on insignificant issues.
Often these simple differences turn into social media “shouting matches” with vulgar language and bullying.
I have stopped reading social media messages because they are so evil, incite hatred and influence civil unrest.
(“Cancel culture” puts a modern spin on the age-old social dynamics of public shaming. Today, it’s also often associated with accountability and social justice. Courtesy of Newsy, Scripps News, and YouTube. Posted on Jan 14, 2022.)
I consider myself open-minded, objective, and interested in opposing views. Throughout my career in public safety, I have experienced many great ideas from opposing views resulting in better decisions on policy and operations through compromise and consensus.
In life, it is not realistic to believe that a single view is the only view.
When not allowing opposing views, everyone misses out on many ways to improve an original idea or thought. Finding a middle ground through compromise builds buy-in, unites people, and lessens division.
When college campuses no longer allow opposing views, they lose the very purpose of learning, growing, and collaborating.
The art of compromise has been one of the hallmarks of our nation’s strength.
One of Steven Covey’s principles of effective leadership worth noting is, “Seek first to understand then to be understood.”
This philosophy of silencing the thoughts and opinions of others is dangerous and leads to an ever-expanding division in our country.
A great deal of this rhetoric and social media messaging is being injected by foreign adversaries whose main intent is to divide, conquer and lessen the strength of our country on the global stage.
The quote from Winston Churchill (a British statesman, soldier, and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice), “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”, remains true today.
(Across the country, statues and historical symbols are down, and this movement shows no signs of stopping. Lisa Fletcher navigates our nation’s past and the controversy over history getting erased before our very eyes. Courtesy of Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson, and YouTube. Posted on Oct 5, 2020.)
Too often, the choice has been not to learn from previous actions but rather to erase history and miss an opportunity to contextualize and learn from previous mistakes.
Given the current direction, we are doomed to repeat these injustices.
When looking back at the actions of Adolf Hitler and similar dictators, the first thing that begins the destruction of democracy is the loss of free speech followed by the absence of a challenging press.
Today, more people fear to question/challenge what they are told and follow blindly like a flock of sheep.
This trend allows foreign adversaries or those with evil intent to create armies of people to fight each other, often leading to protests, destruction, and death.
(For example, riots in France earlier this month showed cars engulfed in flames, showrooms being vandalized & tear gas thrown open on protesters. The French president highlighted the role of social media as unrest spread across the country after the police shooting of a teenage boy near Paris. Courtesy of Guardian News and YouTube. Posted on Jun 30, 2023.)
This will be (if not already) exacerbated by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media bots spreading propaganda to incite civil unrest through messages which appear to be from a credible source.
AI offers new ways to manipulate data, video, and messaging.
As has been stated by many, the value/danger of AI depends on the intent of its use.
(A fake image of a Pentagon explosion went viral, briefly causing panic on Twitter – and even spooked the markets. Courtesy of MSNBC and YouTube. Posted on May 23, 2023.)
Soon, if nothing is done, our country will allow the loss of free thinking, free speech, and our nation’s position as a global leader will be jeopardized.
Our nation has been built on free thinkers willing to challenge the status quo and innovate by those motivated to achieve greatness.
The current thinking by many seems to be that mediocrity is the new norm and that it’s better to follow, do as directed, and accept the status quo.
As free speech is silenced, division grows, and tensions rise, our country loses its soul and may be headed for another civil war.
When there is no room for discussion, no desire to understand other views, and people are silenced, the result will be the end of democracy replaced by tyranny.
About the Author
Chief Charles Werner, the founder and director of DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance, is a Public Safety Advisor & Chair of the National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU), a former Founder and Chair of the International Association of Fire Chief’s Technology Council (IAFC), and Fire Chief Chair Emeritus for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Chief Werner was recently Honored with the Meritorious Award from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for his work advancing standards in the public safety UAS Standards area.
Additionally, Chief Werner was Recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Public Safety Innovation Center earlier this year for his collective work in public safety leadership, communications, interoperability, FirstNet, broadband, GIS, and drones.
“This award is really about all of you that have joined me along the way as mentors, colleagues, and friends,” Werner said on LinkedIn following the announcement.
“There is nothing that I have accomplished alone. So thank all of you!”
Chief Werner is a retired Charlottesville Fire Chief and Public Safety Veteran.
After retirement, he worked with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management as senior advisor/acting deputy state coordinator for two years.
Chief Werner has served in numerous local, state, and national leadership roles on public safety initiatives. He continues to share his expertise as an advisor and board member for public safety organizations.
Chief Werner is an author with 150+ internationally published articles and contributes to numerous other public safety publications. He has numerous commendations, including three Virginia Governor’s Awards of Excellence and the National Career Fire Chief Award.
Closer to home, Chief Werner was recognized for Excellence in Public Safety in American Security Today’s 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program.
DRONERESPONDERS Honored in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
DRONERESPONDERS
Excellence in Public Safety and Disaster Response
DRONERESPONDERS is the leading non-profit program created to unite new aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue (SAR) specialists under a unified organization to help them to learn, train, and test with one another, with the ultimate objective of maximizing drone operations for public safety and countering the growing threats of rogue drones.
DRONERESPONDERS is the leading nonprofit program to advance public safety UAS with over 7500 members and participation from 87 countries.
(Catch a glimpse as to why DRONERESPONDERS is the world’s fasted growing non-profit program supporting public safety UAS! Courtesy of DRONERESPONDERS and YouTube.)
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DRONERESPONDERS ranks are growing each day as more organizations embrace the use of UAS for public safety missions.
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The DRONERESPONDERS program is led by Chief Charles Werner (ret.), who serves as the director, and is himself a 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Public Safety.’
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Chief Werner is a Public Safety Advisor & Chair of the National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU), a former Founder and Chair of the International Association of Fire Chief’s Technology Council (IFAC), a Public Safety Advisor for the National Center for Security & Preparedness at the University at Albany, and Fire Chief Chair Emeritus for the City of Charlottesville, in North Carolina.
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DRONERESPONDERS hosts the largest online Resource Center with over 800 documents of best practices, lessons learned, SOPs, checklists, starting a drone program guide, FAA waiver guides, and more.
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DRONERESPONDERS also hosts a Public Safety Drone Directory and Dashboard (Dashboard.DRONERESPONDERS.org), with over 1300 agencies sharing their UAS program information.
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DRONERESPONDERS is open to all (even non public safety), membership, and all resources are free.
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Join today and share with others. To learn more, or join up today, please visit www.droneresponders.org.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!
(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.
The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)
(Hear directly from Keith Terreri, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Services and Business Operations at NEC Corporation of America, on why NEC supports the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program and the value NEC receives for participating in the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program. Courtesy of NEC, American Security Today, and YouTube.)
And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:
ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,
IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!
In 2022, AST was pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government and firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh, compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, which is essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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