New System Monitoring PA Refineries
Boeing Defense, Space & Security's Watchstander system was activated this week along the Delaware River near Philadelphia, the company announced Oct. 16.
Emergency services and local law enforcement agencies in Delaware County, Pa., have a new system in place to detect threats to critical infrastructure in the region, including several refineries. Boeing Defense, Space & Security's Watchstander Integrated Security Solutions network was activated this week along a 14-miles stretch of the Delaware River near Philadelphia.
Under the $4.4 million contract, Boeing is responsible for the design, procurement, installation, integration, testing, and maintenance of the system and for training law enforcement and emergency services personnel in its use.
"Boeing Watchstander allows us to fully integrate land and maritime awareness with emergency response to ensure our key resources are secured, monitored and protected," said Delaware County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle. "There are more than 10 critical resources in this area that need the top-level security that Watchstander provides, including refineries that supply almost 80 percent of the petroleum needs for the northeastern United States."
The system's sensors and systems provide 24-hour, real-time situational awareness for local, state, and regional law enforcement personnel and first responders, according to Boeing. "Boeing draws on its extensive security experience and longstanding expertise in C4ISR in the design and implementation of the Watchstander system," said Mike Hettmann, director of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Force Protection for Boeing Electronic & Mission Systems. "We're proud to partner with the Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Office of Emergency Services, and other regional stakeholders to address critical infrastructure protection challenges with innovative and affordable solutions that can be adapted to a variety of environments."
(C4ISR is the acronym for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.)