Maj. Terry Seilhamer's regular job is to oversee about 1,100 troopers as Area IV commander of the state police barracks in Butler, Erie, Punxsutawney and Washington. He's based in Butler.

So Seilhamer's newest responsibility, planning the state police's role in security during the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh, will be just another day at the office.

"It's only intimidating if you allow it to be. We've dealt with other major events before," said the 30-year state police veteran. "We are not anticipating any problems, but we are paid to deal with the worst, if necessary."

More than 1,000 state troopers, about a quarter of Pennsylvania's 4,300-officer force, have been assigned to provide additional security when world leaders and financial representatives converge on the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Sept. 24 and 25.

The summit will have representatives from the world's largest economies, including China, Russia, South Korea, Brazil and the European Union, to discuss economic policies to address the global financial crisis.

The state police are working with the Secret Service and the Pittsburgh Police.

Seilhamer said state police will have three main responsibilities:

• Escorting dignitaries' motorcades to and from Pittsburgh International Airport,

• Escorting those officials throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, and

• Providing a sizable contingent of troopers in case of disturbances.

"It's very manpower intensive. Some of (the escorts) require total closure of the parkway. We could use 100 troopers alone just for that," Seilhamer said, adding that the Secret Service determines the level of protection necessary for each guest.

State troopers have been pulled from all 16 barracks throughout the state, some for their particular experience, such as bicycle troopers from Philadelphia.

"Those troopers have had advanced training with bikes in mass gatherings, such as the Republican National Convention held in Philadelphia a few years ago," Seilhamer said.

State police also handled security following the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville in 2001 and the Camp Hill Prison riot in 1989.

Helicopters and motorcycles will be brought in from several barracks, mounted police will be in Pittsburgh from the state academy in Hershey, and a police plane will be in service. These are in addition to several Special Emergency Response Teams, the state police version of SWAT officers.

Seilhamer said the Pittsburgh police will handle accommodations for all of the troopers, who will arrive in small groups in the days leading up to the summit. There will be headquarters locations throughout the city and a mobile command post.

However, pooling all of those resources will not detract from state police service in other parts of the state, he said.

"We did a detailed survey of the different commanders to see what they needed. The local stations will all be staffed adequately to handle the normal workload," Seilhamer said.

Troopers will be expected to bring their regular civil disturbance gear, as well as items such as riot batons and ballistic helmets, which are only issued when there is special need for them.

"We anticipate that most of the troopers will be working in 12-hour shifts. Most troopers will be responsible to an NCO (non-commissioned officer) for where they are supposed to be and when," Seilhamer said.

Although these troopers have been relieved of their regular duties for the summit, Seilhamer has not.

"Some days the clock moves really fast. Lately, it seems to be moving at lightning speed," he said.

"Crime, traffic accidents and personnel issues don't stop during special events. I've delegated some responsibilities to others in my office, as well."