FCPD’s First Female Bomb Tech Blasts Barriers

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Fairfax County, VA – FCPD’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) welcomes its first female bomb technician, who completed the rigorous Hazardous Device School (HDS).

PFC Melanie Todd has graduated from the FBI’s HDS and will join EOD as its first female bomb technician. HDS is an intensive six-week program designed to prepare technicians with essential skills in identifying explosive devices and developing effective neutralization strategies. Participants learn critical public safety protocols for responding to explosive ordnances, utilizing x-ray and robotics systems, ordnance disposal equipment, and mastering the proper analysis, storage, and disposal of defused explosives.

What Do You Become an EOD technician?

All technicians must be certified and graduate from the FBI’s HDS.  Technicians must maintain certification by completing yearly training that requires a minimum of 288 hours of EOD recertification.  All technicians continually train and master the following topics:

  • Explosive Demolition Operations,
  • X-Ray Operations,
  • Disposal Operations,
  • Personal Protective Equipment,
  • Robotic Operations,
  • Explosive Tools.

Are you interested in making a difference and becoming a part of our EOD unit? Start your FCPD career here.

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