Politics

Local law enforcement officials reflect on Marathon response during hearing

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Homeland Security Committee held a hearing Wednesday to review response efforts and changes made since the Boston Marathon bombings.

Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis joined Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau and Sgt. Jeff Pugliese in speaking at the hearing, which was entitled "The Boston Marathon Bombings, One Year On: A Look Back to Look Forward."

Before the men spoke, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, praised law enforcement for their response to the April 15, 2013 attack and the manhunt that followed days later.

McCaul, who donned a Boston Strong pin to show his solidarity, said he couldn't think of a better man at a better time than former Commissioner Davis. Davis replied by saying he had a great team.

Davis said dialogue between local and federal agencies has been critical in the year following the bombings. He said the first call he made after the bombings was to Boston FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick DesLauriers. DesLauriers has since retired from the FBI.

In reflecting on the response, Watertown Police Chief Deveau said that a seemingly quiet overnight shift suddenly turned into a war zone. He began his testimony by saying his department's goal is to be the best police force in the world and that for "8 1/2 minutes we were the best damn police dept. in the world."