HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Massachusetts National Guard on Monday provided about 500 Soldiers and Airmen to assist federal, state and local police and other emergency responders with public safety and support during the 120h running of the 2016 Boston Marathon.
"The Massachusetts National Guard is proud to support the 120th Boston Marathon and will be working closely with officials from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the Boston Athletic Association and our Inter-Agency partners to ensure a safe and successful race," said Lt. Col. James Sahady, spokesman for the Massachusetts National Guard.
Col. Michael Finer, commander of Joint Task Force Patriot, will supervise the combined Guard's efforts to assist federal, state and local police to keep the route safe for the runners from Hopkinton to the edge of Boston.
The National Guard will provide specialized chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN), and improvised explosive detection teams, as well as medical and security personnel to assist local communities along the route to ensure the race is safe and successful.
Two pressure-cooker bombs exploded April 15, 2013, at the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. The blasts killed three people and wounded at least 264 others.