Press Release
☷Hokanson Visits Guardsmen Safeguarding Las Vegas New Year s Eve Celebration
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Jan 04,2024
| 43| 1
The Guard provides various forms of assistance , such as explosive detection dogs , cyber risk assessments , venue screening , and air security . The 1st Squadron , 221st Cavalry Regiment of the Nevada Army National Guard is responsible for overseeing operations on the Strip and Fremont Street . The 92nd Civil Support Team provides monitoring and analysis in case of any suspicious substances . General Daniel Hokanson , the head of the National Guard Bureau , said he learned a lot from the interagency briefings . He discovered how different agencies work together , how the Guard is involved , and how law enforcement coordinates events . He also emphasized the importance of sharing this knowledge with other states . In the middle of all the New Year ' s Eve festivities in Las Vegas , the top officer of the National Guard met with Nevada Guardsmen who were on duty to keep everyone safe . Around 200 Guardsmen helped local and federal law enforcement agencies by ensuring safety , managing crowds , and providing medical assistance . Every year , Las Vegas Boulevard is closed to cars so people can walk the Strip and countdown to the New Year . At midnight , the casinos put on a synchronized fireworks show . This year , they expected over 400 , 000 people to attend . The Nevada Guard has been supporting this celebration since 1999 , working with local authorities . The event is classified as a special event by the Department of Homeland Security , meaning it requires cooperation between different agencies to ensure public safety . General Hokanson highlighted the strong bond that Guardsmen form with the communities they serve . He mentioned that some law enforcement officers are also part of the Guard and vice versa . The Nevada Air National Guard ' s 152nd Medical Group supports local hospitals with around 35 personnel for emergency triage . The Nevada Guard also assists in other large - scale events in the area , including the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and the upcoming Super Bowl . “So they worked with other people they had worked with before . ” Army Maj . Timothy Frederick , planning officer for the Nevada Guard , said the partnership between the Nevada Guard and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is seamless . coordination before missions ensures success , ” said Frederick , who also serves as a sergeant in the LVMPD Event Planning Division . “Additionally , the assignment of LVMPD officers who are also part of the Nevada National Guard and bilingual as liaison officers ensures effective deployment and mission command of our force . ” “Collaborative planning and pre - incident work is critical , ” Frederick said . “Everyone understands each other’s goals and intentions before the event . You should never meet for the first time during a critical incident . ” Nevada Gov . Joe Lombardo , a former law enforcement official who also served in the National Guard , met with Hokanson and told him he saw the Guard as a force multiplier . “Because during my time in the National Guard , the Guard has greatly increased its capabilities and strength , ” Lombardo said . “Enhancing the functionality of the Guard benefits our citizens , state and country . ” Hokanson explained that because the National Guard is the combat reserve of the Army and Air Force , it also provides significant benefits to the 2 , 800 communities where Guardsmen live and work . ” Because we are manned , trained and equipped to fight and win our nation ' s wars , we can do almost anything , ” he said . CNGB members walked part of Las Vegas Boulevard with Air Force Maj . Gen . Ondra Berry , adjutant general of Nevada . , Chief Captain Sgt . Cameron Peters , senior enlisted leader of the Nevada Guard , and LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill spoke with police and Guardsmen guarding checkpoints in the most densely populated areas of the Strip . Hokanson spoke with Army Staff Sgt . Jacob Sheire , senior scout of the 221st Cavalry Regiment . Sheire supported the New Year ' s Eve operation four times and told Hokanson he was very proud of the mission . “People love seeing us here , ” Sheire said . “We can say that some are a little cautious at first , but then they see a smile . I think it helps them just enjoy a nice , safe holiday . ”
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
