Commissioner Tang King-shing recently visited the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Depot at Mount Butler and met the Force's Bomb Disposal Operators.

After the visit, he said the EOD had risen to many challenges magnificently, and urged young officers to try for the Force EOD Cadre.

After taking a close look at the Depot's facilities, Mr Tang had a frank exchange session with the Bomb Disposal Operators, during which he said: "The Force EOD Cadre is an essential part of our counter-terrorism response. I wanted to come here today to meet every one of you and thank you for your commitment to a secondary duty that is renowned as being dirty, difficult and dangerous. I appreciate that training for EOD duties is extremely hard work. But the Force needs you. We have to remember that there is nobody else in Hong Kong who can do what you do."

After discussing the challenges faced by officers while performing secondary duties on the EOD Cadre, Mr Tang viewed some of the equipment for counter-terrorism operations before having further discussions with the Operators in the EOD Depot canteen and recreation area.

"I have always been impressed by the professionalism displayed by EOD Operators, both full time and on the EOD Cadre," he said. "There have been many major incidents in Hong Kong that have required the deployment of EOD, and each time you have risen to the challenge magnificently."

Noting that training for the EOD Cadre lasts eight tough weeks, Mr Tang said: "I would urge young officers who have spirit and dedication to try for the Force EOD Cadre. The training benefits both the officer and the Force."

The EOD Cadre will run the next basic training course for Inspectorate officers in September this year. Application forms are available on the Force NoticeBoard and the EOD web site on POINT. Applications should be faxed to the SBDO in the first instance before being submitted through Formations.

CP has high regard for the EOD Cadre

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