Explosive ceremonies to launch Homeland Security Center of Excellence at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

Homeland Security’s undersecretary to be key part of fiery opening


WHO: Jay M. Cohen, Department of Homeland Security undersecretary for science and technology, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman James R. Langevin, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ President Robert L. Carothers, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Professor of Chemistry Jimmie Oxley, director of a new federal center of excellence in explosives research at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾, as well as representatives of the U.S. military and federal, state and local law enforcement.


WHAT: Launch of Homeland Security Center of Excellence in Explosives Detection, Mitigation, Response and Characterization at the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾. Cohen will ignite a special display as part of the opening of the Center, which is funded by a $5.15 million, three-year Homeland Security grant. Northeastern University in Boston has received a separate Center award, but the two Centers are expected to be managed jointly. Also joining Cohen will be senior members of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, canine units from the New York Metropolitan Transport Police and the Massachusetts Police, Rhode Island State Police, Lifespan, and many others.


WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, 11 a.m.


WHERE: äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾, Kingston Campus, second floor Great Room, Green Hall, 35 Campus Ave.


HOW: Call Dave Lavallee, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Department of Communications and Marketing, to make coverage arrangements at 401-874-5862 or 401-874-2116.