Fuji Blimp Plays Role In GOP Convention Security

1010 Wins | August 31 2004

(1010 WINS) (NEW YORK) At the closely guarded Republican National Convention, even the Fujifilm blimp has a role in security.

Fuji Photo Film USA, the Valhalla, N.Y.-based arm of the Japanese film giant, is allowing the New York Police Department to use the blimp to bolster aerial patrols above Madison Square Garden.

Police officials won't say how the blimp is being used, but Fujifilm spokesman Tom Shay confirmed that NYPD officers are on board -- free of charge -- at the department's request.

The company has worked with law enforcement since the 2001 terror attacks, allowing counterterrorism officers aboard the blimp during high-profile events like the U.S. Open tennis tournament and the annual Fleet Week military celebration.

Shay said the blimp normally would be flying at the convention to expose its brand name.

---------------------------

E mail your comment on this article to prisonplanetweb@hotmail.com and have it posted here.