October 19, 2009 Truckers and Others Take on Terrorists
HEADLINE: Truckers and others take on terrorists
First Observer, a national terrorism awareness program that makes use of the skills, experiences and "savvy" of Americans who spend a good part of their working day in America's surface transportation industry, is now offering terrorism awareness training online. The 38- minute course can be viewed all at once or in sections as an individual's time permits.
Individuals who are transportation professionals are eligible for certification, including truckers, school and transit bus drivers, law enforcement officials and others with a commercial driver's license. Emergency first responders, infrastructure personnel and security personnel are also eligible for certification.
The terrorism awareness training is designed to teach people to recognize potential safety and security threats to themselves and/or to their vehicle. If they see suspicious activities, First Observer participants are taught how to file a report through a special hotline, where a trained operator can assess the nature and urgency of the call and route the information provided to the appropriate authorities. Calls involving potential security threats are immediately forwarded to the Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) where reported situations are analyzed by security experts and shared with government intelligence officials and other law enforcement agencies.
"We're very pleased to add another tool to the First Observer program's training arsenal," noted ISAC director, Don L. Rondeau. "The First Observer program and the subsequent creation of a national Information Sharing and Analysis Center to analyze the reports being made by First Observer participants is a key component of America's new anti-terrorism efforts. The more transportation professionals we have making reports to the national call center, the more likely it is that we'll be able to detect potential terrorist activities. We strongly encourage all transportation professionals to join us today."
First Observer is fully funded through FY 2011 by U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) monies allocated in the FY 2008 Trucking Security Program. It is managed by Team HMS, which is comprised of the HMS Co., Total Security Services International, Inc., the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assoc. and Patton Boggs LLC and supported by other transportation organizations and associations.
April 15, 2009 TSSI President and CEO Don Rondeau Joins HSTV Channel Editorial
Counterterrorism and Security Veteran Joins HSTV Channel Editorial
Advisory Board
Don Rondeau Brings Wide Range of Critical Infrastructure Protection
Experience to HSTV
BURKE, VA. (April 9, 2009) -- The Homeland Security Television Channel
is proud to announce that Don Rondeau, President and CEO of Total
Security Services International Inc. has joined the HSTV Channel
Editorial Advisory Board.
Mr. Rondeau's expertise spans a broad and distinguished career in the
area of critical infrastructure protection. His previous assignments and
executive positions include Vice President of Homeland Security at Alion
Science and Technology, and Director of a federal anti-terrorism
Information Sharing Analysis Center. Earlier in his career, Rondeau
served as the Director of Claims and Security for the American Trucking
Association, representing the security interest of the trucking
industry.
Mr. Rondeau also previously served as a contract investigator for the
U.S. Department of the Interior and as Chief Security Consultant for the
embassies of the States of Kuwait and Qatar. In addition, he continues
to play an active advisory role, currently serving as the Transportation
Security Advisor to the International Association of Counterterrorism
for Security Professionals (IACSP), where he was named the Homeland
Security Executive of the Year in 2004-05.
April 13, 2009 Fox News interview with TSSI Director of Intelligence Ray Brown
TSSI's Director of Intelligence Ray Brown provides expert insight on the recent spate of Somali pirate hijackings
April 12, 2009 Fox News interview with TSSI Director of Intelligence Ray Brown-Somali pirate activity
TSSI Director of Intelligence Ray Brown provides expert insight into the recent spate of Somali pirate hijackings
April 09, 2009 Fox News interview with TSSI Director of Intelligence Ray Brown-Somali pirate hijackings
TSSI's Director of Intelligence Ray Brown offers expert analysis of the recent spate of Somali pirate hijackings
April 01, 2009 Panel Discussion: How Do We Protect The Critical Infrastructure Within The United States?
Critical infrastructure is the backbone of our national economy and is essential to the health, security, safety and economic well-being of our nation. In the Spring, 2009 issue of “Counter Terrorism,” the journal of the International Association of Counter-Terrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP), TSSI President and CEO Don L. Rondeau leads an in-depth, wide-ranging roundtable discussion with TSSI subject matter experts on issues of importance to protecting our nation's critical infrastructure.
March 30, 2009 Journal of Commerce article on ISAC Mexican trucking alert
On March 27th, the First Observer Program's Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) sent out an alert to American trucking companies regarding the potential hazards of doing business in Mexico. The alert also provided some safety and security guidance for those companies.
March 30, 2009 Heavy Duty Trucking article on ISAC Mexican trucking alert
On March 27th, the First Observer Program's Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) sent out an alert to American trucking companies regarding the potential hazards of doing business in Mexico. The alert also provided some safety and security guidance for those companies.
March 28, 2009 Wall Street Journal story on ISAC Mexican trucking alert
On March 27th, the First Observer Program's Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) sent out an alert to American trucking companies regarding the potential hazards of doing business in Mexico. The alert also provided some safety and security guidance for those companies.
March 28, 2009 Washington Times article on ISAC Mexican trucking alert
On March 27th, the First Observer Program's Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) sent out an alert to American trucking companies regarding the potential hazards of doing business in Mexico. The alert also provided some safety and security guidance for those companies.
March 27, 2009 The Trucker article on ISAC Mexican trucking alert
On March 27th, the First Observer Program's Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) sent out an alert to American trucking companies regarding the potential hazards of doing business in Mexico. The alert also provided some safety and security guidance for those companies.
March 10, 2009 TSSI Master Trainer Provides Counter-Terrorism training
TSSI Master Trainer Captain Ray Brown provides counter-terrorism training to road crews and construction inspection workers in the Hamilton, Ohio area as part of the TSA “First Observer” trucking security program. Captain Brown shared techniques about what to look for in spotting suspicious activity and how to report it.
December 10, 2008 Is your community prepared?
Application Deadline for FY-09 DHS-FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grants: December 19, 2008
TSSI announced today a program aimed at assisting state and local governments secure federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Emergency Management Performance Grants. More than $3 billion in grant funds are currently available to bolster emergency management and catastrophic planning capabilities at the state and local government level. Don't miss this opportunity to leverage these funds to enhance your ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. Download the following brochure to learn more about TSSI's emergency management capabilities, our team of homeland security experts and how to submit a grant application package as part of this program.
November 20, 2008 FBI Citizens' Academy
Given his 20+ years in the security field, TSSI President and CEO, Don L. Rondeau was nominated and selected to attend the FBI Citizens' Academy. This program brings business and civic leaders together to explore a curriculum focused on learning about:
Solving practical problems involving evidence collection and preservation
FBI jurisdiction and congressional oversight
Structure and operation of FBI field offices and satellite agencies
Fingerprint, forensic, technology, training, and other services
Policies and issues: ethics, discipline, communications, drug enforcement, civil rights, and future criminal trends
Firearms training
Mr. Rondeau is shown speaking during the recent graduation ceremony.
October 22, 2008 School Transportation News
TSSI's President, Don L. Rondeau, discusses the future and evolution of the School Bus Watch program with School Transportation News. This revamped and enhanced program will identify key stakeholders within the industry as partners and will seek out other professionals to help the program evolve and continue to protect one of our nation's most critical assets – our children.
October 01, 2008 Security Director News
Don L. Rondeau, President and CEO of TSSI, discusses the formation of Macfadden's newest wholly owned subsidiary in the October 2008 issue of Security Director News.
June 06, 2008 Trucking Security Program
TSSI President and CEO Don L. Rondeau is interviewed by Mark Reddig, host of the nationally broadcast "Land Line Now" radio program. Mr. Rondeau discusses the importance of involving America's trucking community in highway security efforts including TSSI's "First Observer" trucking security program. Click below to listen:
March 06, 2008 Land Line Magazine
President and CEO of TSSI, Don L. Rondeau, speaks with Land Line Magazine to discuss a recent raid in which nine federal and state agencies descended on a Swift Transportation truck driving school near Memphis, TN.
August 23, 2006 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - Tips for Staying Alive in Hostage Situations
FOX: Jeff Beatty provides advice about being prepared and staying alive during hostage situations such as the kidnapping of journalists in Gaza by the Holy Jihad Brigades.
August 11, 2006 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - Lessons Learned from Thwarted Airline Terrorist Attack
FOX: Jeff Beatty discusses the lessons learned from the airline terror plot recently thwarted by British authorities resulting in 24 arrests.
July 31, 2006 Dirty-bomb Pilot Adds to Layered Security
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner to discuss the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) pilot program to use radiation-detection devices to find dirty bombs before they enter New York City.
July 11, 2006 ABC Interview with Jeff Beatty - U.S. Public Transit Security in the Aftermath of India Train Attack
ABC Nightline: In the aftermath of the rush hour attacks on India's commuter trains, Jeff Beatty responds to concerns that America’s public transit system is not adequately protected against similar attacks.
February 20, 2006 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - School Bus Watch Program Training
FOX: In his role as master trainer for the School Bus Watch Program, Jeff Beatty talks about this national security awareness training program.
February 18, 2006 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - Overview of School Bus Watch Program
FOX: Jeff Beatty provides an overview of the School Bus Watch Program, a national DHS program that provides training to school bus drivers focused on security and anti-terrorism awareness.
February 05, 2006 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - Security Recommendations for High Profile Sporting Events
FOX: Jeff Beatty, accompanied by an explosive detection canine that worked at the Rose Bowl, discusses potential areas of concern and what protective measures should be implemented to ensure proper security during major sporting event such as the Superbowl.
January 30, 2006 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - School Bus Watch Program
FOX: In this segment featuring Jeff Beatty, viewers learn more about the new School Bus Watch Program, a derivative of the Highway Watch® Program, a national DHS training initiative.
December 12, 2005 SIGMA Weekly Report - Highway Watch Program Casts Wider Net
The Highway Watch program teamed up with the Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Highway ISAC) and the Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) to broaden its information-sharing network. “This new alliance automatically puts the Highway Watch information into the hands of first responders in every major city in the country,” said Don L. Rondeau, director of the Highway ISAC (and past SIGMA speaker). “It greatly enhances our ability to immediately mobilize and respond to an incident and that increased capacity to react will pay tremendous dividends in our efforts to keep America safe and secure.” Under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Highway Watch trains highway professionals to identify and report safety and security concerns on the nation's roads. The program trains professionals to respond in the event they or their cargo are the target of a terrorist attack and to share valuable intelligence with Highway Watch officials if they witness potential threats.
December 07, 2005 Highway Watch to Share Intel Directly
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner to discuss The Highway Watch program's plans to begin disseminating reports from its Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) directly to the Emergency Management and Response's (EMR) ISAC network. Prior to this, the EMR received Highway Watch data through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other sources.
October 19, 2005 Terror Intelligence at Issue after Baltimore I-95 Closure
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner after a tip yesterday of “undetermined credibility” about a potential terrorist plot to detonate a bomb-laden vehicle at an unspecified tunnel in the Baltimore, MD area led to the closure of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and stopped traffic through the Fort McHenry Tunnel, effectively shutting down I-95.
August 26, 2005 Highway Watch Aims for Consistency in Terror Alerts
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner after chairing a conference call with a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) representative and stakeholders in the trucking industry last week in efforts to clarify how information about potential terrorist activity will be relayed to the trucking officials in the future.
August 18, 2005 Metal Barriers between Trucks and GOP
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner to discuss a system of metal barriers or “sally ports” demonstrated by the New York City Police Department designed to defend the Republican National Convention against hostile vehicular attacks. The barriers can be deployed in as little as 15 minutes and each is capable of stopping and disabling a 15,000 lb. GVW vehicle moving 30 mph, according to its developer, Delta Scientific Corp.
August 09, 2005 FOX Interview with Ray Brown - Federal Efforts to Share Information
FOX: Responding to a report that the U.S. had its eyes on four of the 9/11 terrorists prior to the attacks, Captain Ray Brown discusses the efforts made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share information.
August 09, 2005 FOX Interview with Ray Brown - Federal Efforts to Share Information
FOX: Responding to a report that the U.S. had its eyes on four of the 9/11 terrorists prior to the attacks, Captain Ray Brown discusses the efforts made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share information.
July 22, 2005 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty - Response to London Subway Incident
FOX: In this segment of The O'Reilly Factor, Jeff Beatty comments on the actions taken by British authorities in responding to a London subway incident in which a suspicious man was shot by police.
July 19, 2005 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty - Helping Citizens Prepare for a Terrorist Attack
CNN: As a guest on CNN’s Security Watch, Jeff Beatty helps prepare citizens in the event of an emergency or terrorist attack and offers advice about what precautions to take and tactics to follow.
July 08, 2005 Trucking Experts Urge Security Review
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner as trucking experts urge security reviews in the aftermath of a deadly attack on London's mass transit system.
April 26, 2005 Sector-wide ISACS Have Both Critics and Advocates
Don L. Rondeau provides valuable insight and expertise in this feature article focused on:
Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs), the main channel for industry and the federal government to exchange security information, are the focus of renewed debate about their usefulness amid continued complaints by business executives that the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies fail to provide adequate and consistent support for them.
March 18, 2005 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty – U.S. Training Efforts Following Madrid Subway Bombing
FOX: The Madrid bombings caused American transit systems to heighten their security efforts and run "live fire" scenarios for similar threats. In this interview, Jeff Beatty discusses new training efforts being conducted to protect the U.S. transit system.
January 13, 2005 FOX Interview with Jeff Beatty – Highway Watch Program Overview
FOX: Jeff Beatty discusses the Highway Watch® Program which trains truckers to be alert for potential terrorist threats to our nation's highways and critical infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels.
November 15, 2004 Heart of America Quilt Names Don L. Rondeau National Chief Security Advisor
Heart of America Quilt (HoAQ) announced today, their addition of Mr. Don L. Rondeau as National Chief Security Advisor. Mr. Rondeau's addition to the Heart of America Quilt is a move of the Directors to secure locations and presence of the quilt in all its showing locations. His experience and knowledge made his addition to this organizational advancement a shoe in. This announcement comes on the skirt tales of the Heart of America Quilts announcement of the first NY Showing and heightened Security concerns.
“Mr. Rondeau is asset to the safety and function of the Heart of America Quilt.” States Susan Morissette, President of Heart of America Quilt. “In an ever changing world his addition to the volunteer advisors of the Quilt is a sense of security for all those involved and all those that have taken part to created this lasting form of history”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to volunteer in this capacity" said Mr. Rondeau in a brief interview.
About the Heart of America Quilt-
The Heart of America Quilt began in the aftermath of the event of 9/11 as a small quilt from Maine. Started by the Morissette family on Sept.13 2001 to help the children of Maine heal and feel a sense of helpfulness to those that lost so much on 9/11. Within weeks of its conception, the Heart of America Quilt grew to nation level with panels from many other states. At present the Heart of America Quilt has involvement from all 50 of the United States with an addition of over 10 countries and this quilt in a form of a United States Flag is over one half acre in size when displayed in full form. From the small project it began as, it has grown to hold names of tens of thousands of people from across the world. For more information please visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/dpol/winner.cfm?awardnum=2985
November 11, 2004 Don L. Rondeau Receives Homeland Security Executive of the Year Award
September 08, 2004 Missing Tanker Still at Large
In this news article, Don L. Rondeau speaks with Fleet Owner to discuss a stolen gasoline tanker still at large, capable of carrying 9,200 gallons of fuel that went missing in Pennsauken, NJ, in late April.
August 18, 2004 Highway Watch Seeks Clarity in Future Terror Alerts
March 16, 2004 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty – U.S. Threats in Aftermath of Madrid Terrorist Attacks
CNN: Jeff Beatty discusses the potential threats against the U.S. as well as the attacks in Madrid by a possible splinter-Basque group with the support of Al Qaeda.
March 12, 2004 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty – U.S. impact of Madrid Attacks
CNN: In this CNN Live segment, Jeff Beatty discusses national security issues and the impact of the Madrid bombings to the American Rail Network and the increased security that has resulted.
March 12, 2004 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty – Linking Al Qaeda to Madrid Bombings
CNN: After the discovery of an Arabic tape causing suspicion of a link to Al Qaeda in the Madrid bombings, Jeff Beatty discusses the potential terrorist groups responsible.
March 11, 2004 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty – Possible Terrorist Groups Responsible for Madrid Attacks
CNN: Watch CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° as Jeff Beatty discusses the possible terrorist groups responsible the train terror attacks in Spain.
September 11, 2001 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty - 9/11 Commentary
In this CNN segment, TSSI founder and advisor, Jeff Beatty, discusses reasons for the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
July 10, 1996 CNN Interview with Jeff Beatty – Security Preceding 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games
CNN: Jeff Beatty discusses his security plan focused on preventing and responding to acts of terrorism preceding the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
April 15, 1996 NBC Interview with Jeff Beatty – 1996 Atlanta Olympics as Potential Terrorist Target
NBC: The Today Show's Katie Couric interviews Jeff Beatty about the possibility of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games as a target for terrorism.
No current briefings have been posted. Please keep checking back.
TSSI News & Media
October 29, 2009 - TSSI Pres & CEO Don L. Rondeau is a Guest Host on HSTV's The Listening Post Program: “Freedom & Security"
Don L. Rondeau, President & CEO of TSSI, Inc., a homeland security professional, appears as a guest host on a new episode of the Homeland Security Television Channel (HSTV) interview program The Listening Post. In this episode entitled “Freedom & Security”, guest host Don L. Rondeau explores the delicate balance act between the obvious need for continued enhancements to our homeland security and the basic freedoms guaranteed by our constitution.
October 19, 2009 - Truckers and Others Take on Terrorists
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration News - HEADLINE: Truckers and others take on terrorists
First Observer, a national terrorism awareness program that makes use of the skills, experiences and "savvy" of Americans who spend a good part of their working day in America's surface transportation industry, is now offering terrorism awareness training online. The 38- minute course can be viewed all at once or in sections as an individual's time permits. Read More >>
October 09, 2009 - TSSI, Inc. President & CEO Don L. Rondeau appears in a special diversity feature on the Homeland Security Television Channel
Don L. Rondeau, President & CEO of TSSI, Inc., a homeland security professional, appears in a Homeland Security Television Channel (HSTV) documentary that investigates the African American Experience in Protecting The Homeland.
October 08, 2009 - Don L. Rondeau is interviewed about the dangers transportation professionals face along the US-Mexico border on the HSTV Channel
Don L. Rondeau, President & CEO of TSSI, Inc. appears in a Homeland Security Television Channel (HSTV) segment, "The Threat Matrix: Crisis on the Border" that investigates a report by the Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) that advises transportation professionals on the dangers they could face along the U.S.-Mexico border stemming from Mexico's ongoing war with drug cartels.
TSSI's Director of Intelligence Ray Brown provides expert insight on the recent spate of Somali pirate hijackings
TSSI Director of Intelligence Ray Brown provides expert insight into the recent spate of Somali pirate hijackings
TSSI's Director of Intelligence Ray Brown offers expert analysis of the recent spate of Somali pirate hijackings
FOX: Jeff Beatty provides advice about being prepared and staying alive during hostage situations such as the kidnapping of journalists in Gaza by the Holy Jihad Brigades.
FOX: Jeff Beatty discusses the lessons learned from the airline terror plot recently thwarted by British authorities resulting in 24 arrests.
ABC Nightline: In the aftermath of the rush hour attacks on India's commuter trains, Jeff Beatty responds to concerns that America’s public transit system is not adequately protected against similar attacks.
FOX: In his role as master trainer for the School Bus Watch Program, Jeff Beatty talks about this national security awareness training program. 
FOX: Jeff Beatty provides an overview of the School Bus Watch Program, a national DHS program that provides training to school bus drivers focused on security and anti-terrorism awareness.
FOX: Jeff Beatty, accompanied by an explosive detection canine that worked at the Rose Bowl, discusses potential areas of concern and what protective measures should be implemented to ensure proper security during major sporting event such as the Superbowl.
FOX: In this segment featuring Jeff Beatty, viewers learn more about the new School Bus Watch Program, a derivative of the Highway Watch® Program, a national DHS training initiative.
FOX: Responding to a report that the U.S. had its eyes on four of the 9/11 terrorists prior to the attacks, Captain Ray Brown discusses the efforts made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share information.
FOX: Responding to a report that the U.S. had its eyes on four of the 9/11 terrorists prior to the attacks, Captain Ray Brown discusses the efforts made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share information.
FOX: In this segment of The O'Reilly Factor, Jeff Beatty comments on the actions taken by British authorities in responding to a London subway incident in which a suspicious man was shot by police.
CNN: As a guest on CNN’s Security Watch, Jeff Beatty helps prepare citizens in the event of an emergency or terrorist attack and offers advice about what precautions to take and tactics to follow.
FOX: The Madrid bombings caused American transit systems to heighten their security efforts and run "live fire" scenarios for similar threats. In this interview, Jeff Beatty discusses new training efforts being conducted to protect the U.S. transit system. 
FOX: Jeff Beatty discusses the Highway Watch® Program which trains truckers to be alert for potential terrorist threats to our nation's highways and critical infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels.
“Mr. Rondeau is asset to the safety and function of the Heart of America Quilt.” States Susan Morissette, President of Heart of America Quilt. “In an ever changing world his addition to the volunteer advisors of the Quilt is a sense of security for all those involved and all those that have taken part to created this lasting form of history”
CNN: Jeff Beatty discusses the potential threats against the U.S. as well as the attacks in Madrid by a possible splinter-Basque group with the support of Al Qaeda.
CNN: In this CNN Live segment, Jeff Beatty discusses national security issues and the impact of the Madrid bombings to the American Rail Network and the increased security that has resulted. 
CNN: After the discovery of an Arabic tape causing suspicion of a link to Al Qaeda in the Madrid bombings, Jeff Beatty discusses the potential terrorist groups responsible.
CNN: Watch CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° as Jeff Beatty discusses the possible terrorist groups responsible the train terror attacks in Spain.
In this CNN segment, TSSI founder and advisor, Jeff Beatty, discusses reasons for the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 
CNN: Jeff Beatty discusses his security plan focused on preventing and responding to acts of terrorism preceding the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
NBC: The Today Show's Katie Couric interviews Jeff Beatty about the possibility of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games as a target for terrorism. 
