Security measures keep biathlon safe

PRESQUE ISLE – Spectators at the Biathlon Junior World Championships are destined to see a wealth of sights when they climb atop the bleachers to watch the races this week – athletes and coaches with skis and ski poles, fans with big, bright signs and cowbells, camera operators in puffy jackets and knit hats.

But what they won’t necessarily see are the precautions being taken to assure that everyone who comes to watch, film or participate in the races at the Nordic Heritage Center stays safe.

Herculean security measures are in place, and they are working, George Howe, head of access control, said Sunday.

“We have 14 access points that we are covering,” he explained, pausing in his travels around the biathlon grounds. “You need proper credentials to get through each one, and we are also searching bags and have given out a limited number of vehicle passes.”

Cars are not commonplace at the venue, as spectators must park at a nearby parking lot and are bused to the facility. Police officers and other law enforcement personnel are more prevalent.

“We have law enforcement officers who have volunteered to be here,” Howe noted. “The Presque Isle Police Department has also scheduled one officer to be here every day. It has a calming effect on the crowd.”

Safety and security are nothing new to Howe. When he is not helping out at the biathlon, the Washburn resident is serving as the emergency management director for Presque Isle.

Because of the heightened security, there have been no problems at the competition so far, he said on Sunday.

“Everything has been running very smoothly,” Howe acknowledged. “It has been wonderful. The public has been great, so it has just been fantastic.”

On top of keeping everyone safe, Howe admitted to one more concern late Sunday afternoon.

“It’s the officers,” he admitted, his cheeks red from the frigid wind gusts. “One of my big concerns is rotating them enough so that they don’t get too cold.”