For every operation undertaken by Station Sergeant Chan Kwong-hung of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau (EODB), there is only one chance to defuse the life-threatening device at hand. In a 2014 operation to neutralise a 2 000-pound Second World War bomb unearthed at a Happy Valley building site - his most unforgettable case in a 27-year career, he realised that experience could be the most valuable asset for any bomb disposal expert.

Chan recalled that the bomb had slammed nose-first into the ground, leaving its tail sticking out upright - a position that made it extremely difficult for robots to defuse safely. This experience laid the foundation for the skills needed to handle later wartime bomb operations. “The knowledge was accumulated by seniors through blood and sweat, and then passed down to those who came after,” he said.

Since its establishment in 1972, the EODB has tackled bombs, munitions, as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. In early March, the team swiftly neutralised a wartime mortar shell discovered at a construction site in Kwu Tung. One of the unit’s most experienced members, Chan joined the EODB in 1999 and was later selected for specialist training to become an EOD assistant.

While the public often calls them “bomb disposal experts”, Chan emphasised that their work is fundamentally a team effort. Clad in an 80‑pound protective suit to handle explosives at close range, an EOD officer is always supported by an assistant and a logistics colleague. The trio are known as “No.1”, “No.2” and “No.3”. Working hand in hand, they protect one another and keep the entire team safe.

“Although No.1 often takes the spotlight, No.2 and No.3 are far from mere bit players behind the scenes,” Chan said. “Their supporting roles are critical to ensuring the safety of No.1 and everyone else on site. Once No.1 has assessed the environment, No.2 operates the robot to neutralise the threat, while No.3 handles rear security. Only after No.2 has cleared the initial risks does No.1 move in to handle the device. Unlike in the movies, real-life bomb disposal never involves cutting a ‘red’ or ‘blue’ wire against the clock. Each layer of danger is carefully identified, assessed and removed step by step.”

He added that EODB veterans often describe their job as “3D”: dirty, difficult and dangerous. In his view, however, “demanding” should be included, making it “4D”. “Every mission is the ultimate test of physical endurance, concentration and mental resilience,” Chan explained. “Together, they form what we call the ‘4D challenge’.”

New member Chu Huen‑shu joined the EODB in 2022 after passing a rigorous selection process. Currently serving as No.3, he has already qualified for the No.2 position. During the demanding tests, Chu remembers carrying heavy loads uphill and performing precise tasks under extreme fatigue - simulations designed to mirror the real pressures faced by his predecessors. “We take every training session seriously,” he said. “It’s far better to sweat more in practice than to bleed in action.”

Chu goes out of his way to learn from Chan and other senior colleagues in his daily work. “They never hesitate to share all the valuable knowledge they’ve accumulated over the years,” he said. “Sometimes, they even lend me their personal journals. These handwritten notes reflect not only their professionalism, but also their profound sense of human connection and deep commitment to passing down what they’ve learned to the next generation.”

For half a century, the EODB has remained on the frontline, handling the most dangerous threats with composure and professionalism. Chan noted that the seamless cooperation among different formations at a live bomb disposal scene perfectly embodies the “One Force” spirit of the Hong Kong police. “Without smooth coordination among all officers at the scene to ensure orderly evacuation and on-site control, we’d not be able to defuse crises calmly and effectively,” he said. “Crises may take many different forms, but I’m confident that as long as every unit performs its role well, we can always defuse the biggest crises.”