Airmen provide IED awareness for police

  • Published
  • By Kristin Stewart
The 96th Civil Engineer Group’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight led its first joint law enforcement improvised explosive device awareness training here June 8.

EOD partnered with the Crestview Police Department’s SWAT team to provide the police officers with a real-world, scenario-based IED training opportunity. The SWAT team simulated delivery of a warrant in a high risk environment, while avoiding traps as they cleared the building, and then identified when to call for assistance.

Senior Airman Daniel Derasse, 96th CEG EOD journeyman, led the training using a simulated chemical lab originally setup for training during the EOD' unit's Warfighter Challenge in May. This training focused on basic IED identification and techniques to increase police officer safety while performing law enforcement duties.

“The training broadened their awareness of suspected explosive items at a crime scene," said Derasse. “Instead of trying to take care of the device themselves, they learned to look for specific signs that should alert them to call a bomb squad.”

Eglin’s EOD unit responds to military ordnance calls in the local community and works with local law enforcement agencies when requested.

“This training was valuable for both parties,” said Derasse. “I learned how an elite law enforcement unit within the community operates, what capabilities they have and how we are able to supplement their training with our knowledge.”