Governor Brad Henry signs orders authenticating homeland security measures

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Executive orders signed by Governor Henry give a stamp of approval to Oklahoma's homeland security position. <br><br>The two orders create the position of Oklahoma homeland security

Tuesday, May 27th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Executive orders signed by Governor Henry give a stamp of approval to Oklahoma's homeland security position.

The two orders create the position of Oklahoma homeland security director and give the office some authority.

Before the orders were signed earlier this month, the state didn't have an official position or office for homeland security, which would act as a central command in case of disaster.

Henry's executive orders detail the responsibilities and authorize the director to work as a representative for Oklahoma in coordinating security efforts.

Public Safety Commissioner Bob Ricks was named interim director of homeland security last year by the Legislature.

Ricks says the order authenticates what has already been put in place.

But the stamp of approval doesn't extend to Ricks. Henry has yet to name a permanent homeland security director.