FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 2, 2024
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@army.mil, 720-250-1053
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Approximately 65 members of the Colorado National Guard are supporting the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with the security of evacuated neighborhoods and active fire areas at the Alexander Mountain Fire near Loveland, Colorado.
Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency and authorized the Colorado National Guard to mobilize in support of the fire response.
The Colorado National Guard Joint Operations Center in Centennial, Colorado, received a request from the State Emergency Operations Center to provide a task force to set up traffic control points around the affected fire area in support of local law enforcement. Task Force Security is comprised of CONG Soldiers from the 193rd Military Police Battalion and 220th Military Police Company, Colorado Army National Guard.
“The Colorado National Guard is the first military responder during domestic emergencies, supporting the state of Colorado and first responders to help save lives, reduce suffering, and mitigate property damage,” Director of the Joint Staff U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Bruno said. “We’re your neighbors, and we’re here to help the communities affected by this emergency.”
CONG forces train annually to support state and federal missions.
The use of CONG forces in a support role relieves local first responders actively responding to calls in the community.
Joint Task Force-Centennial is a standing task force ready to respond to domestic events as directed by the Governor.