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Established in the early 1970s, the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) protects Port customers, employees and property at both Sea-Tac Airport and the Seaport as well as assists police and fire departments in the region.
The six members of the Bomb Disposal Unit, one of approximately 450 accredited bomb squads in the country, work on daily basis as regular patrol officers. When deployed to a potential bomb threat, their first task is to safely evacuate the area and then inspect and, if necessary, render safe the suspicious device. The team members are all certified Hazardous Devices Technicians, trained by both military personnel and civilian instructors at the FBI Hazardous Devices School. Each member is re-certified every three years, and the unit trains at least 25 hours a month.
Hazardous Duty
Robot
The highly trained technicians of the BDU don't work alone. They have an
arsenal of specialized equipment to assist them and keep them at a safe distance
from the potential threat. The Hazardous Duty Robot is part of the team. Equipped with cameras, sensors and extending arms, this robot can render a device safe while keeping police officers out of harm's way.
The Wreath stands for the achievements and laurels gained through dedication and ingenuity. It also represents those who have died while serving their community.
The Bomb, copied from the design of WWII Disposal Units, represents the historical and major objective of the BDU mission, an unexploded bomb. The three fins stand for the conventional, nuclear and chemical/biological threats.
The Lightening Bolts stand for the destructive power of the bomb and the courage of the technician.
The Shield stands for the mission - protect the people and surrounding area to the utmost.