The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's top official says Mississippians play a part in keeping the rest of the nation safe. M.P.B.'s Paul Boger reports.
As part of a visit to the Magnolia State, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson spoke to to reporters in Jackson, yesterday. He says his department has a significant presence in Mississippi.
"We have Coast Guard ship building here in this state." said Johnson. "We keep a watchful eye on sudden weather changes. So I wanted to meet with emergency response personnel, federal and state. I wanted to meet with the men and women with the department for the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection. The department touches this state in a number of different ways."
Johnson also says D.H.S. can do more to work with average citizens to help keep the nation safe.
"Homeland Security is an effort that should include the public in programs such as if you see something, say something." said Johnson. "Partnerships between the federal government and state and local governments, first responders, police chiefs, sheriffs around the country and the public is critical to our efforts."
Johnson also met with members of the Coast Guard and toured a shipyard where construction is taking place on the National Security Cutters.
