Press Release

At Schumer & Gillibrand’s Urging, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to Tour Bethpage’s Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security on Monday

Sep 21, 2012

Bethpage, NY – Monday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will visit Bethpage’s Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center. Earlier this year, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged the Secretary to visit the non-profit organization to highlight the success of this unique first-responder, public-private partnership. The Morrelly Homeland Security Center is the first privately owned homeland security center in the nation that serves emergency first responders. Secretary Napolitano will discuss efforts to strengthen our nation’s national security by bringing the public, private and academic sectors together to develop homeland security products and solutions. 

“Bethpage’s Applied Science Foundation allows Long Island’s first responders to partner with the private sector to utilize and shape the latest emergency-response technology.  Secretary Napolitano will see firsthand how both first responders and product developers benefit from working together under one roof,” said Senator Schumer.  “I appreciate her willingness to visit, and I have no doubt she will come away impressed and even better informed.”

“I am thrilled that Secretary Napolitano accepted our invitation to visit this state-of-art emergency command hub on Long Island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Applied Science Foundation serves as a model in bringing together public and private sectors to help keep our communities safe and equips our first responders with the latest, innovative resources in the event of an emergency.” 

A member of Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT), the Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security has been a leader in Homeland Security research, development and technology. The Foundation has authored a contracted report to the Department of Homeland Security that assesses the gaps that currently exist in our nation’s common operation picture/situational awareness systems, and has developed a browser that allows agencies to share information on one screen.  

The Applied Science Foundation also serves as Nassau County’s emergency operations hub and provides critical training to federal, state, local and tribal homeland security personnel in their 90,000 square foot facility.