FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 4, 2015) -- As thousands in the Wiregrass prepare to celebrate the nation's independence this year, new security measures on Fort Rucker will change the way folks access post during one of the most popular events of the year -- Freedom Fest.
Freedom Fest is scheduled for July 2 from 4-10 p.m. at the Fort Rucker Festival Fields. And as military installations across the U.S. increase force protection measures, Fort Rucker is no exception, said Chief Marcel Dumais, Fort Rucker chief of police, adding that safety is the main priority.
"As it stands right now, people who will be allowed to enter the installation during Freedom Fest are going to be Department of Defense ID card holders and anyone who possesses a pass," said the police chief. "There will not be any visitor control center operations that day (July 2), and it won't be like it was in years past where we open up entry procedures for the Wiregrass community to come on."
Dumais said the increased security is due to the increased security across Army installations, and although Fort Rucker has no direct threat, he said the precautions are necessary.
"Safety comes first, and the force protection level being raised is based on a threat level that's been determined, which tells us that we need to increase our security posture," he said. "There is no directed or targeted threat to Fort Rucker, but a general threat-level increase across Army installations, so we're being prudent and upping our security measures."
Normal security measures that have been in place in the past will also remain in place. The event will have police patrols across the installation, as well as increased security throughout the venue to ensure the site is secure for the day of festivities, said Dumais. Emergency Medical Service and the Fort Rucker Fire Department will also be on hand as a response team in the event of an emergency.
Also, there are certain items that are prohibited from being brought onto the installation during Freedom Fest, which include: coolers, backpacks, pets, fireworks of any kind, glass containers, weapons of any kind, bicycles, scooters and skateboards.
Family members with medical needs or small children and babies will be allowed to bring bags for medical items or baby care items, which will be checked and tagged before entering the festival fields.
To help ensure a safe and secure Freedom Fest, Dumais also asked that people remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
"If you see something, say something," he said. "If something looks suspicious or doesn't look quite right, don't just drive away or walk away without saying something. Give us a call and we'll send someone out there to see what it is. It's always better to be safe than sorry."
Understanding there is a new step in visiting the installation this year, post officials hope that won't keep folks from coming out.
"We're looking forward to a great Freedom Fest this year, and hope the Wiregrass will come out to enjoy the band and the fireworks like they do every year," he said.
"We ask that anyone who will be coming out to celebrate safely," said Dumais. "We truly want all the people who join us in celebrating our Nation's Birthday to come and have a good time."
Freedom Fest will feature the largest fireworks display in the area, a performance by the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band, and feature dozens of vendors and a whole host of features for families to enjoy.
To report suspicious activity, call 255-2222.
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