National guard assisting with extra security during papal visit

UNIVERSITY CITY (WPVI) -- With 1 million people expected to be on the Ben Franklin Parkway this weekend, security is a top priority.

Law enforcement of all kinds are here in Philadelphia - including the National Guard.

There are about 500 solders stationed at the Armory at Drexel University, and thousands more across area that have been arriving steadily since Monday, preparing for the arrival of the pope.

The armory has been set up as a staging area for troops from across the state. Soldiers are prepared to work in shifts throughout the weekend to do what the national guard does best.

"We have the roll of certainly supporting the national defense but also in being able to support the local communieties," said Lt. Col. Kurt Nielsen of the 103rd Brigade.

These troops will be directing traffic and pedestrians throughout the city and assisting police with safety and security.

"It is all just so we can have enough presence to make sure that emergency route, so if someone is injured on the other side of the river, they can be evacuated to the hospitals in the area and to one of our primary areas to make sure these routes stay open," said Lt. Col. Nielsen.

The guard was placed on active duty by the governor to help assist local law enforcement with traffic and security. They have been part of the coalition of law enforcement planning the event since the start.

"They are energized. We did a lot of planning to be involved in this and I think you see it when you go out there, the solders are all excited to be here," said Stephen Radulski, Commander 56th Striker Brigade.

They are covering just about every corner of the city.

"We need a certain number of people to make sure we can cover intersections with police presence," said Lt. Col. Nielsen.

And the solders say there is a lot of excitement that they get to be part of this historic event providing local law enforcement with added manpower.

"It's a major effort on the part of Pennsylvania involving multiple units across the state that are supporting the effort here," said Commander Radulski.

The officers are in Philadelphia to assist law enforcement. They are manning checkpoints, ealing with crowd controls and making sure those emergency routes are kept clear. If that directive does change, that would be an order that would come down directly from the governor.