Vornado, Fisher Bros. join New York's war on terror.

Employees at Fisher Brothers and Vornado Realty Trust properties are being armed for the front line in the city's war on terrorism.

The two owners are the first in the city to have their security personnel participate in New York Safe & Secure, a training program launched by Mayor Michael R. Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, SEIU Local 32BJ President Michael Fishman and Partnership for New York City President and CEO Kathryn S. Wylde this week.

Trainees on the pilot training program for security officers in commercial office buildings will receive instruction on the history of terrorism, examine case studies of previous terrorist attacks and their responses as well as receiving briefings on identifying different types of explosives devices and fake identifications.

The training will be conducted by off-duty NYPD officers and recently retired instructors from the New York Police Academy. "Fisher Brothers has long recognized the tremendous importance of a properly trained and professional security staff," said Fisher Brothers senior partner Ken Fisher.

"While innovative technology and security systems make buildings more secure, there is no substitute for proper training and employment standards."

Gaston Silva, COO of the Vornado office division, added, "We are pleased to be among the first building owners to join this important program for ensuring a safer and more secure working environment for thousands of people who occupy our office buildings every day.

"As owners and as New Yorkers, we are committed to constantly seek improvement in all areas."

"Helping to keep New York safe is everyone's responsibility," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New York Safe & Secure brings together government, labor and business to increase training and professionalism for private sector security personnel. All New Yorkers will benefit from having thousands of extra trained eyes and ears on the streets on the lookout for trouble."

New York Safe & Secure provides security officers in buildings managed by Fisher Brothers and Vornado with 40 hours of in-depth commercial building security training above and beyond the eight hours required by New York State. The curriculum, developed by the Office of Emergency Management and the NYPD with the assistance of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, reflects modern security concerns and includes segments on terrorism, evacuation procedures and coordination with police, fire and emergency personnel during a crisis.

Initially, 253 security officers from 31 Midtown buildings owned and operated by Fisher Brothers and Vornado, will take part in the pilot program with the expectation that the program will be expanded to include additional owners and buildings.

In addition to providing training sessions to their security officers, Fisher Brothers and Vornado have agreed to compensate their workers in lost wages for participating in the program.

The cost of operating the program is being shared through an agreement between Local 32BJ and the Realty Advisory Board. "We are happy to have the opportunity to continue in this innovative and proactive effort to strengthen the city's first responder network," said James Berg, President of the Realty Advisory Board.

"New York Safe & Secure clearly demonstrates the seriousness with which all of us view issues of security and tenant safety."