New DC homeland security head targets cyber-attack

By Eric Tucker

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, June 19 2012 12:46 p.m. MDT

Summary

Christopher Geldart was welcomed by the threat of heavy rains and tornadoes on his first day as D.C.'s new homeland security director. But as the worst weather skirted the city, Geldart picked up the phone to offer aid to his counterparts in harder-hit Montgomery County, Md., and turned the storm into an internal drill for his own staff.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says she's known Geldart for years and calls him a "sharp guy" who knows the local key figures. She says coordination between the two agencies is critical, as evidenced by the recent relocation of the city's fusion center for intelligence analysts from the police department to the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

Chris Voss, Montgomery County's emergency management director, said Geldart knows the region well and understands the importance of collaboration. He recalled Geldart's offers for help as heavy rains drenched the region on June 1.

"Chris Geldart called me on my cell phone and said, 'If you need anything let me know. We're here to help each other out.'"

Voss said he didn't need help that time but added, "Those calls are appreciated."

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