Students in Mount Wachusett Community College’s Early College Fire Science class “Principles of Emergency Services” experienced an extraordinary in-person learning day with a visit from Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Daniel Jones. The session explored the critical roles and responsibilities of the State Police’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and their collaboration with the fire service.
Classroom Insights and Hands-On Experiences
Sergeant Jones began with a classroom overview, setting the stage for an engaging exploration into the world of bomb technicians. Students gained firsthand knowledge of the specialized equipment used in EOD operations, followed by an immersive tour that showcased these tools in action.
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for students to interact directly with the equipment. They not only observed but also actively participated in demonstrations, including trying on the bomb suit, giving them an appreciation of the weight and mobility the suit provides to bomb technicians in the line of duty.
Students were also introduced to portable x-ray machines and advanced robotic technologies utilized by the State Police EOD team. These demonstrations provided a tangible understanding of the precision and innovation required in handling explosive devices safely and effectively.
Also in attendance was Sergeant Jones’ partner, K-9 Tessa, a 3-year-old German short hair who was rescued from an abusive environment. Tessa has undergone rigorous training to become a TSA-approved explosive detection K-9 and is currently stationed at Logan International.
“We thank Sgt. Jones and Tessa for joining us,” stated Timothy Shea, Adjunct Professor of Fire Science and Deputy Fire Chief at the Devens, MA Fire Department. “Their visit has certainly left a lasting impression on the students and underscored the value of combining classroom learning with real-world applications.”
The MWCC Fire Science Dual Enrollment program offers high school juniors and seniors the ability to explore a career in the fire service and earn college credits while in high school. Summer opportunities are also available; the course “Hazardous Materials Chemistry” is being offered this summer. The course runs online from May 19 through July 21, with an in-person service day on June 14th at the Devens Fire Department.