MADISON, Wis. Aug 7 2013— Wisconsin regulators have cleared the way for military-style guards to return to a mine site near Lake Superior.
Gogebic Taconite hired Arizona-based Bulletproof Securities to guard the site after protesters confronted workers there in June.The guards joined a mix of Wisconsin-based security guards and local off-duty police offers patrolling the site. Bulletproof's guards wore masks, camouflage uniforms and carried rifles, raising a firestorm of criticism. The company withdrew the guards in July because it lacked a Wisconsin license.
The state Department of Safety and Professional Services announced on Monday they have approved a license. A Gogebic Taconite spokesman says Bulletproof will rejoin the security mix at the site. He declined to say when the guards would return.
Gogebic Taconite hired Arizona-based Bulletproof Securities to guard the site after protesters confronted workers there in June.The guards joined a mix of Wisconsin-based security guards and local off-duty police offers patrolling the site. Bulletproof's guards wore masks, camouflage uniforms and carried rifles, raising a firestorm of criticism. The company withdrew the guards in July because it lacked a Wisconsin license.
The state Department of Safety and Professional Services announced on Monday they have approved a license. A Gogebic Taconite spokesman says Bulletproof will rejoin the security mix at the site. He declined to say when the guards would return.