9/11 Memorial paying security firm $1M a month to patrol site
New York NY November 19 2018
The cost of unarmed guards at the already heavily-protected 9/11 Memorial and Museum has risen to $1 million a month, The Post has learned.
Led by ex-Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the non-profit foundation that runs the Ground Zero site — a major tourist attraction — has inked a 36-month contract with Parsippany, New Jersey-based SOS Security to provide blue-blazer wearing officers at a cost of $36.2 million, records show.
That price tag comes in addition to the taxpayer cost of NYPD and Port Authority police officers who patrol the site. The NYPD is “is responsible for policing and security in the World Trade Center area,” a spokeswoman said.
In announcing the new contract, memorial trustee Daniel Tishman, chairman of Tishman Construction, told a June 25 board meeting that the foundation “was focused on selecting a firm with a demonstrated commitment to customer service and concierge-style security.”
Foundation spokesman Michael Frazier explained, “In addition to helping to keep our visitors, staff and the memorial and museum safe, our security team works to maintain decorum and respectful behavior at this sacred space. They also help to answer any questions visitors may have.”
Current job openings posted by SOS say 9/11 museum guards must be at least 18 years old, meet license requirements and pass a drug screening.
Sally Regenhard, co-chair of the advocacy group 9/11 Parents & Families of Firefighters and World Trade Center Victims, was irked by the move.
“Why do you need to pay an agency $1 million a month to call 911 when something happens? Considering they already have the NYPD and the PAPD protecting that area, it’s outrageous,” said Regenhard, whose firefighter son Christian was killed on 9/11.
“The only solution to this money pit is for the National Park Service to assume operation and control of the site for a fraction of the current bloated expenses.”
Frazier responded, “We take the safety and security of our visitors and staff very seriously. … Are there people who believe there is too much security at the site of the worst U.S. terror attack in history?”
The foundation’s last security firm, Andrews International, got the boot. In March, a memorial guard hired by Andrews pleaded guilty to federal charges he trafficked more than 25 firearms — including several assault-style weapons — into Manhattan. Police seized 21 other guns from an alleged associate.
The $12 million yearly security tab will top the $10.2 million spent on security last year, including $9.6 million paid to Andrews, the foundation’s 2017 tax filing shows.
In total, the foundation reported $108.7 million in expenses, including $37.2 million for depreciation of equipment and furnishings. It took in $87.1 million, including revenues from the museum’s $24 admission fee.
The new president and CEO, Alice Greenwald, received $564,633 in compensation.
NY Post
