CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS RECEIVE EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AT TENNESSEE FIRE SERVICE AND CODES ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

Bell Buckle, TN –      In preparation for possible deployment, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will conduct post blast training for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on April 28, 2008.

The training will provide the ground work necessary for concise and safe post-blast investigations. Participants will gain knowledge on responding to explosive incidents and proper evidence collection at bomb scenes. Overall, the training will help participants determine what happened at a scene and ultimately who is responsible for criminal acts or a terrorist event.

Classroom lecture and hands-on post-blast training are necessary components of the specialized training.  Located on 330 acres in northern Bedford County, the TFACA training facility is the ideal location for training of this nature. 

“Our military personnel are the first line of defense,” stated TFACA Executive Director Roger Hawks.  “We are proud to be of service to the U.S. Military in its pursuit to keep not only themselves safe but to protect our Homeland as well.”

The post-blast training will take place April 28 – May 1, 2008, with an explosive demonstration taking place on Tuesday, April 29.  Any media wishing to cover this event must notify the academy in advance and be aware of restrictions to taping.

The ATF enforces federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson. As part of the Department of Justice, ATF makes a vital contribution to American efforts against terrorism. CID conducts all felony-level investigations of Army interest worldwide and will use the training gained from the post-blast course for investigations conducted in the United States as well as overseas. 

For more information about the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, visit www.tennessee.gov/commerce or call toll free 1-800-747-8868 or 931-294-4111.

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