Busy Month for MCFMO Bomb Squad Highlights Diverse Missions

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- The FIFA World Cup events around the Houston area signaled the start of many diverse assignments for the MCFMO Hazardous Device Unit, commonly referred to as the “Bomb Squad”. Team members utilize specialized training and equipment to respond to everything from incidents involving explosives to radioactive materials. MCFMO Bomb Technicians are career Law Enforcement Officers, first certified as Hazardous Materials Technicians by the State, then trained and accredited through the ATF and the FBI. Team members undergo months of initial training and continuously train throughout the year to hone their skills and keep up with current threats.

During the FIFA events, the team operated as a bomb squad, responding to any suspicious incidents while simultaneously providing mobile radiation detection around the large crowds at the events. Team members utilized explosive detection K-9s and sophisticated mobile radiation detection technology to support the Texas World Cup Law Enforcement response.

At the same time, the unit was called to several other “routine” incidents across the area, including several explosive recoveries and the discovery of radioactive material at a vehicle crash. These incidents included:

• Recovery and examination of a 105 mm chemical projectile, found at a recycling facility. Round was determined to be inert and removed from the facility.

• Recovery of blasting caps found on a rural ranch. The caps were counter-charged on site to render them safe.

• Investigation of radioactive material found after a major freeway crash. The team identified and collected Uranium 238, Cesium 137 and various other quantities regulated by federal standards.

• Recovery of grenade – Team utilized portable x-ray equipment to ultimately determine that the device was inert.

So far this year, the MCFMO Hazardous Device Unit has deployed 81 times to incidents across Montgomery County and Southeast Texas, working with local agencies and our State and Federal partners to ensure public safety.

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