It takes nerves of steel and a steady hand to stare down and render a suspicious device safe.  The Sheriff's Hazardous Device Team did it 88 times during 2003.  The agency's "bomb squad" trains extensively and procures the best possible equipment to aid them in this difficult and demanding job.  Members of the team are nationally recognized experts in, not only explosive devices, but nuclear, biological and other weapons of mass destruction.  While highly valued, they are truly an asset we hope we never need to use to their fullest capabilities.

If there is anyone who can't afford to have a bad day it's a bomb team member.  A momentary lapse of concentration can spell disaster.  This detonation, however, was no accident.	Even a small amount of "low tech" explosives can have a devastating effect.  Since 9/11/01 Americans are living with the real threat of terrorist attack that other countries have had for years.
There are no cartoon "BOMB" labels on a true destructive device.  Explosive devices can be disguised as anything from teddy bears to trash.  To the victim this just didn't look right.   It wasn't.	Have aliens landed?  No.  When a device is identified and there is no option but to approach it, all precautions must be taken to keep the deputy safe.  It's even heavier than it looks.
It's 95 degrees in the shade, he is wearing a stiff suit that weighs as much as he does, and he's carrying an unstable explosive on the end of this pole.  No stress here!	Specially designed to contain a blast safely , this trailer is used to transport an explosive or suspicious package to a remote area where it can be safely destroyed.