Local law enforcement says lessons can be learned from NOLA attack

By Brandi Makuski

PORTAGE COUNTY — In the wake of the deadly New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Day, law enforcement officers across Portage County are assessing how to strengthen security at large events and improve preparedness for similar incidents.

Plover Police Chief Ryan Fox said although the village lacks the busy downtown districts seen in major cities like New Orleans, it still holds significant events that could be targeted for similar threats.

“We still have events like Celebrate Plover and various marathons and 5Ks,” Fox said. “Those events require a different kind of attention, and using a vehicle as a weapon is one of our top concerns.”

Fox emphasized that the threat of vehicle-based attacks is something the department consistently plans for.

“We do a lot of things to mitigate that potential [threats], always being aware that it could happen here just as easily as it could in New Orleans, Pittsburgh, or anywhere else,” he added.

Portage County Sheriff Mike Lukas pointed out that law enforcement frequently evaluates access points and staffing for larger events.

“For large events, we make sure to limit access to the area and bring in additional staff. We want to make sure we can respond quickly and effectively if something happens,” Lukas said. “We’ve learned a lot from past incidents, including the Waukesha parade attack in 2021. Now, we make sure parade routes are off busy streets and that they’re barricaded to prevent vehicles from entering.”

Lukas also highlighted the department’s capability to quickly call in additional resources if needed.

“We have a mutual aid agreement with surrounding counties and agencies. If there’s an emergency, we can quickly deploy anywhere from 25 to 100 officers from neighboring departments,” he said.

Stevens Point Police Chief Bob Kussow said mass casualty incidents from across the nation have taught the SPPD how to better plan for the worst-case scenario.

“In response to Waukesha, we’ve implemented some new measures, like using heavy equipment to block intersections during parades. We now use dump trucks or garbage trucks to create barricades, so a car can’t simply get around them,” Kussow explained.

He also mentioned the department’s increased focus on plainclothes officers patrolling large events. “We have officers walking the entire parade route in plain clothes, so they’re able to observe the crowd without being noticed. They’re looking for any signs of trouble and can act quickly if needed.”

Kussow stressed that those efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of Stevens Point residents and visitors.

“We take every precaution to ensure that, if something does happen, we are prepared. But we also need to continue educating the public on how they can help.”

All three chiefs agreed that community vigilance plays a crucial role in preventing disasters. Lukas, Fox, and Kussow each reiterated the importance of the “See Something, Say Something” initiative, which encourages the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Kussow emphasized the value of residents speaking up when something feels off.

“If something doesn’t look right or if you feel uncomfortable about a situation, don’t hesitate to call it in. It could be something small that turns out to be very important,” he said. “We want the public to know that no tip is too small. Every little bit helps us ensure the safety of our community.”