Fort Smith, Ark. – The Fort Smith Fire Department announced that Zac Rushton completed training at the Hazardous Devices School in Huntsville, Alabama, earning his certification as the department’s newest bomb technician.
The school, located at Redstone Arsenal, is considered the premier training center for public safety bomb technicians in the United States.
According to the department, the program provides demanding, hands-on instruction in identifying, diagnosing, and safely mitigating explosive threats.
Graduates are trained to handle situations involving improvised explosive devices and hazardous materials with a high level of precision and professionalism.
The Fort Smith Bomb Squad is accredited through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Of the roughly 465 accredited public safety bomb squads nationwide, the department noted that fewer than 8 percent are based within fire departments, making Fort Smith’s unit part of a small group.
The department expressed pride in Rushton’s dedication and commitment to public safety and congratulated him on his accomplishment.