CAF Veteran chosen as first Canadian Exchange Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate

Royal Canadian Air Force veteran and Royal Military College of Canada graduate, Colin Murray, has been chosen as the first Canadian Exchange Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate.

This is part of a partnership with Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS).

“We are excited to establish this partnership with DRDC. Working together with our Canadian counterparts allows us to combine our expertise and experience to further both our nation’s abilities to better prevent, respond to and recover from hazards and homeland security threats,” said Dr. Robert Griffin, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology (Acting).

Murray will be working with the The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to advise on DRDC’s best practices related to national security, public safety, and research and development programs. He has been working within the DHS S&T in Washington since mid December.

He is also responsible for facilitating improvements in communications for safety and security programs and coordinates joint DHS S&T and DRDC CSS policy, planning, programs, and operational best practices.

“Collaboration with our American counterparts is key to finding solutions to common public safety and security challenges. These types of arrangements are about leveraging the best minds and assets in the innovation system to bolster already existing ties and identify new areas for cooperation,” said Dr. Marc Fortin, Assistant Deputy Minister (S&T) and Chief Executive Officer of DRDC.

After graduating from the RMC, Murray received his pilot wings in 1985. He retired from the Regular Force in 2006 and joined the Executive Team at the DRDC Centre for Security Science. He has worked on several significant projects including supporting Canada’s science and technology (S&T) response to such disasters as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Kashmir earthquake of 2005.

DRDC is Canada’s national leader in defence and security science and technology. The DRDC works to provide the Canadian Armed Forces, governmental agencies and other public safety and national security organizations with the knowledge and technology to protect and defend Canada’s interests.

The Science and Technology Directorate is as the primary research and development arm of the United States Department of Homeland Security.