(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
TRAINING … New Mexico Tech instructor Robb Vona goes over a slide during the homemade explosives course held for first responders at the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Emergency Management Agency and Williams County Sheriff’s Office recently sponsored training for First Responders at the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building.
The event was also co-sponsored by the Middle Atlantic Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network. First responders at the event received an eight-hour course regarding an introduction into home made explosives.
The class was taught by experienced professionals from New Mexico Tech, with one instructor being a retired Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) soldier in the Marines, and another instructor being a retired fire captain.
Items looked at in that module included stuff responders may see when coming to a scene, what to stay alert for, precursors to explosives, various methods and techniques to take a house, items used in their construction, and other nefarious topics.
Williams County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Lehman explained that there are a large number of products people walk by every day that could be used to make these sorts of items, and that it is important for responders to be aware of what these items are and what to look for to know a person is using them in ways not intended.
This class was brought into the area through the suggestion of Detective Ben Baldwin, who had previously experienced a class, and wanted to see it brought to the area. Through several partnerships, the class was able to be brought into Williams County.
However, other agencies from around the area were invited to participate, in order to make sure as many responders are trained in our area as possible.
Some of these other agencies included St. Joe County Michigan, the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Defiance, the Defiance Police Department, the Napoleon Police Department, Ohio Gas, and Spangler Candy Security.