Night Shifts in the FBI: The Reality of Bomb Techs’ Duty

Special agents in the FBI are often required to be on-call at all times, making the need for reliable and prompt response crucial. When the unexpected happens in the middle of the night, who typically answers the call? It's frequently a direct supervisor, the Special Agent in Charge (SAC), a partner, or local law enforcement. This article delves into the night shifts experienced by FBI bomb technicians and the role they play in ensuring public safety.

FBI Bomb Techs: Always on Standby

The life of an FBI Bomb Tech is far from ordinary. They are the first line of defense in the event of a hazardous device incident. Whether it happens in the heart of the night or during the day, these specialized agents are always on call. When a call comes in at 3 AM, it could be a direct supervisor, SAC, a partner, or local law enforcement.

24/7 and 365 Constant Readiness

One thing that stands out is the consistent readiness and availability of FBI bomb techs. They receive calls or texts from local bomb squads 24/7-365. These calls are usually notifications of a potential hazardous device. However, the techs are often required to respond to assist, whether it's due to local teams being short on manpower because of training, vacations, patrol duties, or other obligations.

From Phone Calls to Automated Emails

As technology advanced, most agencies have shifted from traditional phone calls to automated email notifications. This change significantly streamlined the response process, allowing techs to handle multiple notifications efficiently. During my career, I received notifications through email call-out systems, changing the way we responded to emergencies.

Adrenaline and Sleep Patterns

Adrenaline is the real hero in this situation. Waking up in the middle of the night is easy, but maintaining consistent sleep patterns can be challenging. My phone was constantly active, and over time, I developed the ability to fall back asleep in just five minutes if a call was not critical. However, it took me a full year after retirement to adjust to undisturbed sleep, a period I fondly remember for the spontaneity and readiness it demanded.

Reflections on a Career Well-Done

The time as an FBI Bomb Tech was both challenging and rewarding. While the lifestyle required constant readiness and flexibility, it was immensely fulfilling to be a part of a team dedicated to protecting public safety. Today, I reflect on those days with a sense of pride and a newfound appreciation for a continuous and restful sleep.

Conclusion

For those who serve as FBI Bomb Techs, the reality of their duty is a mixture of a high-impact responsibility and constant readiness. While the life demands split-second decisions and occasional sleepless nights, the mission of ensuring public safety remains paramount. This article aims to shed light on the realities and challenges faced by these dedicated individuals, highlighting their essential role in the FBI.