§ 23-28.2-5. Bomb disposal unit.
(a) Within the office of the state fire marshal, there shall be a bomb disposal unit (bomb squad), accredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a bomb squad, whose duties it will be to handle and dispose of all hazardous devices suspect to be explosive or incendiary in construction which includes any weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that may be explosive or chemical in construction.
(b) The State Fire Marshal shall appoint a bomb technician to supervise the operations of this unit and the technician must be certified by the FBI as a bomb technician. The bomb technician must ensure that all bomb technicians are trained and maintain certification, the bomb squad maintains accreditation, and ensures that all equipment belonging to the bomb squad is maintained and in operating condition at all times. The bomb technician must also provide to cities and towns and local businesses or any other organizations procedures in bomb threats, and procedures where explosive devices or suspect devices are located.
(c) The State Fire Marshal shall appoint from the local communities volunteer assistant deputy state fire marshals, as bomb squad members only, to assist in carrying on the responsibilities of this unit. The volunteers, who must be available for immediate response when called upon, and be available to participate in training sessions, shall be approved by their local fire or police chief, and must have their chief sign an agreement (memorandum of understanding) that provides for their release during emergencies and training and assumes liability for any injuries that may occur to them. All bomb squad members shall operate only under the direction of the State Bomb Squad Commander or senior ranking Deputy State Fire Marshal who is certified as a bomb technician. The bomb squad may also request assistance from the local fire and police authorities when handling any explosive or incendiary device, WMD or post-incident investigations.
History of Section.P.L. 1975, ch. 165, § 6; P.L. 2004, ch. 220, § 3; P.L. 2004, ch. 225, § 3; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 3, § 4.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-28.2 - Office of State Fire Marshal
Section 23-28.2-1. - Establishment of office of the state fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-2. - Qualifications of state fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-3. - Removal of state fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-4. - Duties and responsibilities of state fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-5. - Bomb disposal unit.
Section 23-28.2-6. - Additional powers and duties of fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-7. - Office of state fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-8. - Clerical assistance and office supplies.
Section 23-28.2-9. - Nonsalaried assistant deputy state fire marshals.
Section 23-28.2-10. - Reports of fires.
Section 23-28.2-11. - Investigation of fires and attempted fires.
Section 23-28.2-12. - Witnesses in investigations.
Section 23-28.2-13. - Reports of investigations.
Section 23-28.2-14. - Enforcement.
Section 23-28.2-15. - Assistance by attorney general — Prosecution of violations.
Section 23-28.2-16. - Fire records kept by the state fire marshal.
Section 23-28.2-17. - Relief from responsibility.
Section 23-28.2-18. - Administrative procedures.
Section 23-28.2-19. - Municipal cooperation.
Section 23-28.2-20. - Right of entry.
Section 23-28.2-20.1. - Notices of violation.
Section 23-28.2-21. - National Fire Code.
Section 23-28.2-22. - Fire education and training unit.
Section 23-28.2-23. - Fire education and training coordinating board.
Section 23-28.2-24. - Burn injury reporting law.
Section 23-28.2-25. - Repealed.
Section 23-28.2-26. - Plan review fees.
Section 23-28.2-27. - Inspection fees.
Section 23-28.2-28. - Rhode Island state firefighter’s league grant account.
Section 23-28.2-29. - Fire academy training fees restricted receipt account.