Imagine if a pickup truck stopped at the busy intersection of Mur-Len and Santa Fe. You watch as one man climbs out of the truck and gets into the back of a sedan parked next to the truck. This sedan then speeds away, leaving the truck in the street. You peer into the back of the truck and see what appear to be a large number of crudely made pipe bombs. After you run away as fast as possible and dial 911, the City of Olathe Fire Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team leap into action and neutralize the explosives.

On April 13^th, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and Olathe Fire Chief Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid visited the Terrorism and Transnational Crime class at MNU. Prior to this visit, students in the class completed Federal Emergency Management training on the Incident Command System that would be used to react to a local terrorist attack. Dr. DeGraffenreid discussed the important role that the Olathe Fire Department would play in responding to a terrorist attack, if just such an unfortunate incident were to occur.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team also discussed the high-tech equipment they use, including the blast suit and bomb disposal robot, and the extensive training that they have completed. Students were able to see this equipment up close and were able to appreciate the impressive level of expertise that is present within the local area. Thanks to Dr. DeGraffenreid and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team!