Lynnfield man chosen chairman of national seaport security group

LYNNFIELD – The overall safety of Boston’s bridges and port fall to a former state trooper from Lynnfield who this week was elected chairman of a national committee that disseminates important security information to 160 public seaports in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.Joseph Lawless, director of Maritime and Bridge Security at the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), has been named chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Security Advisory Committee.Board-certified as a homeland security specialist by the American College of Forensic Examiners, Lawless’ 29-year law-enforcement career includes 13 years with the Massachusetts State Police as a uniformed trooper, a criminal investigator and member of the agency’s executive protection units. He was driver for former state Gov. William Weld.He joined Massport in 1993 when he began overseeing all aspects of public safety and security for aviation, maritime and bridge operations. As part of the job, he oversaw Troop F of the Massachusetts State Police stationed at Logan Airport. During that time, Troop F became the first law enforcement entity accredited by the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police for its commitment to excellence.Lawless, 50, who lives in Lynnfield with his wife, Marsha, and their three children, also serves on several national and international panels that focus on security. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College and a Master’s degree from Boston University. As time allows, he remains involved with his daughter’s softball team and previously helped coach Little League and basketball teams.”Joe’s vast experience in transportation and exemplary leadership will serve AAPA well,” said Michael Leone, Massport’s port director. “We’re proud to have him serve in a national capacity that will influence port security.”AAPA is the principal voice of 160 deep-water ports in the U.S., Canada and Central America. The organization promotes the essential role of ports within the global transportation system and provides leadership in port operations and development and areas such as trade, transportation and the environment, according to Massport spokeswoman Lisa Langone.As a member of the AAPA security committee, Lawless will help analyze and disseminate crucial information regarding new tactics and technologies for port security so that facilities and cargoes are better protected against theft, vandalism, or terrorism, she said. The committee also focuses on sensible business and operating practices, facility design security and security personnel training and procedures.”Safe and secure seaports are fundamental to both protecting our borders and moving goods,” said Kurt Nagle, president and chief executive of AAPA. “Joe Lawless has been an active and valued member of the AAPA security committee for many years and brings superb credentials as a seaport security manager and law enforcement professional to his new role as chairman of this vital committee.”Massport operates Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, the Tobin Memorial Bridge, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. The AAPA Security Advisory Committee assists in the shaping of federal policies related to port security, a particularly vital role since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.The attacks – which included hijacked planes that took off from Logan Airport and were deployed as flying bombs – prompted intense public criticism aimed at Lawless and others at Massport who were responsible for airport security in 2001.”We can never rest on our laurels or sit on our hind legs in the comfort zone,” Lawless said Monday. “We’ve got to work with our partners and be proactive in terms of security.”Lawless declined to talk specifics about Boston’s port security measures or vulnerabilities. “We’re always looking at ways to improve ourselves and improve security,” he said, noting his membership on a team planning security for Sail