A team of Peruvian fire department experts on countering chemical and biological attacks will guard the United States Leader Barack Obama to guarantee his security during his Lima visit to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum's meetings.
There is ongoing coordination between the General Body of Peruvian Volunteer Fire Department and the US Secret Service (USSS), the federal law enforcement agency responsible for the safety of its leaders, according to Prevention Head Cesar Garcia Lanfranco.
In this respect, the national fire brigade on Sunday held a last operation meeting with USSS agents sent to Peru in advance.
"The Secret Service knows about our operation plans. We have submitted information in this respect through the Foreign Affairs Ministry; they know the equipment and the units, and they are satisfied," he told Andina news agency.
The team of experts, that will shadow President Obama, is comprised of five specialized Peruvian firefighters, as well as a hazardous materials unit.
"They are experts on response to chemical and biological attacks, capable of identifying and decontaminating any such risk," Garcia Lanfranco explained.
Firefighters at APEC
A team of 30 fire service members has been assigned to protect APEC venues (Culture Ministry, Lima Convention Center and Grand National Theater).
"Many of the Leaders, who will attend these meetings, are vulnerable to risks, and we are ready to offset any biological and chemical risk," the Prevention Head affirmed.
The 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week, which includes the CEO and Leaders' Summits, kicked off in Lima on Monday. Over the week, meetings are expected to gather close to 10,000 people, among national and foreign attendees.
(END) DHT/MVB
Published: 11/15/2016