A big bang at the Fire Academy

If you think you hear explosions around Bedford County next week, there isn't anything to be worried about.

"Post blast training" is to be conducted at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) next week for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in preparation for possible deployment.

According to a press release from the Academy, the training will provide the ground work necessary for concise and safe post-blast investigations.

"Participants will gain knowledge on responding to explosive incidents and proper evidence collection at bomb scenes. Overall, the training will help participants determine what happened at a scene and ultimately who is responsible for criminal acts or a terrorist event."

Also taking place will be classroom lectures and hands-on post-blast training which are necessary components of the specialized training.

"Our military personnel are the first line of defense," stated TFACA Executive Director Roger Hawks. "We are proud to be of service to the U.S. Military in its pursuit to keep not only themselves safe but to protect our Homeland as well."

The training will take place April 28 -- May 1, with an explosive demonstration taking place on Tuesday for the media.

The Army's CID conducts all felony-level investigations of Army interest worldwide and will use the training gained from the post-blast course for investigations conducted in the United States as well as overseas.

The ATF enforces federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson and makes a contribution to the country's efforts against terrorism.