About GAHS
In response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, DC, on October 25, 2001, Governor Roy Barnes created the Georgia Homeland Security Task Force (GHSTF) to devise and implement a homeland security strategy to protect Georgia citizens, property, and infrastructure from terrorist attacks. As it’s first priority, the GHSTF initiated the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC) project in support of the GHSTF’s broader mission, encompassing intelligence analysis, planning, crisis management, and consequence management, to secure the state of Georgia from terrorist threats and attacks.
The Homeland Security responsibility, the GISAC and the GHSTF and was placed under the umbrella of the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. The Commissioner was appointed the Homeland Security Coordinator for the state of Georgia.
Governor Sonny Perdue took office in 2003, and through an Executive Order, established the Georgia Office of Homeland Security (GA OHS). William W. “Bill” Hitchens, Jr. was selected as the new Homeland Security Director and answered directly to the Governor. GISAC, the GHSTF, and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) were brought under the umbrella to support the (GA OHS).
In mid-December 2004, Governor Perdue appointed Director Bill Hitchens as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety and Colonel over the Georgia State Patrol. GEMA Director Mike Sherberger was appointed Interim Director to GA OHS.
As it evolved, the Georgia Homeland Security Task Force is now made up of seven state agencies: Georgia Department of Public Safety/Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation; Georgia Emergency Management Agency; Georgia Department of Human Resources, Public Health Division; Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division; Georgia Department of Defense; Georgia Department of Transportation; and three associations: Georgia Sheriffs’ Association; Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs. The GHSTF serves as an advisory board to the Director of the GA OHS.
While working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, state, and local governments, GISAC has facilitated the collection of intelligence information from local and state sources, and integrated that intelligence information into a system that benefits homeland security and counter-terrorism programs at all levels.
In January 2005, Interim Director Mike Sherberger began integrating the Georgia Office of Homeland Security and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
