Tuesday, October 23, 2001
World Series security extensive
Fighter jets to patrol sky
The Associated Press
PHOENIX — Fighter jets patrolling the skies and an increased police and FBI presence will be part of heightened security at Bank One Ballpark during the World Series.
Because of the terrorist attacks, officials will be on high alert for the championship series, which starts Saturday.
“Since Sept. 11, things have changed and we are seeing things in a different light,” Phoenix Fire Department spokesman Bob Khan said.
The World Series poses a new challenge for Phoenix area security officials, who have dealt with many high-profile sporting events during the past decade, but never in as tense a climate.
Security plans for a possible World Series have been in the works for months.
“We are prepared for any size crowd and any situation,” said Tony Morales, a detective with the Phoenix police department.
The department is tripling its security contingent at the game, but officials wouldn't discuss specific numbers.
Officials with other agencies were also reluctant to reveal the details of their security plans for the series between the Diamondbacks and either the New York Yankees or the Seattle Mariners.
The air space over the ballpark will be restricted, as it has been since the attacks.
Air Force F-16s will deal “very quickly” with any potential violation of the restrictions, especially during the series, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Mike Fergus.
He said there won't be any fighter jets specifically designated to fly over the ballpark during the games, but military aircraft will be over the city, as they have been for the past several weeks.
The FBI will have agents inside and outside of the ballpark. They will also have other resources, such as intelligence, available, spokesman Ed Hall said.
“I think it's going to be the same heightened state of alertness as there was for the playoffs,” Hall said.
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World Series security extensive
