Port’s Security Director Retires

Cosmo Perrone, a veteran security expert and a recognized national leader in the field, retired this week after six years as the Port of Long Beach’s Director of Security. During his tenure, Perrone coordinated and managed some of the Port’s most significant security advances in its history, in response to post-9/11 concerns. “He has been a tremendous asset to this organization and will be leaving this Port in a far better position than when he arrived,” said Port Executive Director Richard D. Steinke. Before Sept. 11, 2001, port security around the country focused largely on deterring cargo theft. But in the post-9/11 world, protecting potential targets like the Port of Long Beach against terrorist threats became a high priority. Perrone took port security into the computer age with port-wide domain awareness systems that include surveillance cameras, radar, sonar and other technology deployed throughout the port complex. Recognizing the need for improved coordination among the region’s security agencies, he was instrumental in establishing the Port’s Security Command and Control Center, a centralized location for multiple agencies to gather and coordinate intelligence and respond to emergencies. Cosmo was recognized as one of the “Top 25 Most influential People in the Security Industry” and called a “Port Authority Visionary” by Security Magazine, a leading trade journal. “I’ve been privileged to work with Port of Long Beach staff and management, and I am grateful for it,” Perrone said. The Port has commenced a national search to replace Perrone. The Port recently welcomed former U.S. Coast Guard Commander Daniel Kane to the security team as interim assistant security director, filling in for Assistant Security Director Steve Ruggiero, who is serving with the U.S. Navy in Afghanistan. Kane is a former U.S. Coast Guard commander with over 21 years of experience. He most recently served as chief of the prevention department at the U.S.C.G.’s Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach. Contact: Art Wong, Port of Long Beach Assistant Director of Communications/Public Information Officer, (562) 590-4123, (562) 619-5665 (cell), or wong@polb.com.