Measures in place to make sure 51st World Ag Expo another safe event

TULARE,Calif. (KFSN) -- When the 51st World Ag Expo starts on Tuesday morning, gate security will be strict. Tulare Police, Fresno Police, and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office will be present.

"Our resources are all used," said Tulare Police Sgt. Jon Hamlin. "They're not necessarily spread out too thin, but they're definitely all used."

Monday morning, police officers and their K9 partners could be seen patrolling the long, dirt drives.

They will be doing sweeps throughout the show, which ends on Thursday. World Ag Expo Marketing and Sponsorship Manager Jennifer Fawkes says they have a great, long-standing relationship with Tulare Police.

"They get us prepared and make sure that we are safe, the parking is ready to go, everyone gets parked, has a good time, and we're ready to go every year," Fawkes said.

The World Ag Expo is a global event. Though it may not be considered the likeliest of targets for a terrorist attack, the threat is something local law enforcement considers every year.

"We'll contact our liaison with the FBI just to see if they've had any kind of concerns or anything like that," Hamlin said.

For medical emergencies, ambulances are on site. Altura Centers for Health has a fully-stocked RV behind the Heritage Complex.

Opening ceremonies start at 9:15 Tuesday morning.

Final preparations underway for World Ag Expo in Tulare

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will also be holding a town hall event with growers, farmers, and other ag professionals.