B.D.F. bomb squad ready when needed
As a matter of policy, we don’t report bomb threats on this newscast, on the theory that such publicity only encourages the perpetrators. Such incidents are more common than you might think and lately the U.B. campus at West Landivar has been the favourite target of bomb hoaxes–believed to be called in by students seeking to dodge school work. But while most bomb threats are empty, there is one group of Belizeans who are prepared to deal with the real thing. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods spent some time with the B.D.F. bomb squad earlier this week.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
In the movie, Rush Hour, a policewoman tries to diffuse a bomb by choosing and cutting the crucial wire in just a matter of seconds.
But in reality, dealing with explosives it is nothing like what you see on the big screen.
Capt. James Requena, Officer, B.D.F. Bomb Unit
“The reason for that is that from past experiences, we’ve learnt that trying to tamper with the device itself could be lethal to the operators themselves so the practice is of cutting wires is no longer carried out.”
In Belize, the Belize Defence Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team, which receives training in the United Kingdom and the United States, is the only qualified Bomb Squad in the country. The team is equipped to deal with all types of situations, whether it includes the disposal of ammunition, homemade explosive devices or chemical and biological agents.
Captain James Requena
“The team operates in groups of two and they are presently stationed throughout the country of Belize. We have the required equipment, capability and the qualification to respond to almost any threat of explosives or bombs within the country of Belize.”
Officer of the B.D.F. Bomb Unit, Captain James Requena says the team’s priority is to protect the lives of civilians, but consideration is also given to those operators who risk their lives whenever there is a bomb threat. The men equipped with an explosive disrupter, detectors and search kit, must wear protective suits that weigh as much as eighty pounds and can withstand a direct blast.
Captain James Requena
“It’s a dangerous work, but safety of the public and our dedication and loyalty to country comes first.”
Fortunately, the squad deals with more false alarms than real situations. Ninety percent of the calls the Bomb Unit responds to are hoaxes. However, Captain Requena says each threat is taken seriously because you never know when that one out of ten will pop up.
Captain James Requena
“Our general advice to the public, is whenever someone calls you with a bomb threat, take it seriously, evacuate the place in an orderly manner, listen to the authorities who are out there who knows what is happening and follow their instructions.”
Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
Members of the B.D.F. Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team undergo a refresher training course every year.
