MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad is receiving $117,000 to buy new equipment from grant money awarded by Manatee County commissioners.
Recently, the squad was awarded $117,000 to buy four new vests, a purchase that is needed, says Sgt. Rebecca Sehorne, who is the commander of the group.
“I think it’s a blessing, and we are very thankful for it because they do cost $40,000 a piece, and this is really going to help our team out,” she said.
She says the new vests will be the exact same as the ones the county currently has.
“It’s made out of the same material, the Kevlar. They are just going to replace what we have now because like anything, after time, they have worn out. They got Velcro, and Velcro gets worn,” she explained.
The team trains every two weeks in-house and goes out to calls about 10 times a year, along with helping out in other counties.
“It’s important if you have to go and approach and can’t stay remote with a robot. You have to go down on something suspicious. You are going to want all the protection you can get,” she said.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the bomb squad is hoping to get the new vests later this year in Manatee County.
Holding her own in the nearly all-male squad
Sehorne is not only the only full-time employee but also the only woman on the team in charge of the nearly male squad.
Overcoming obstacles is Sehorne’s strong suit.
“When the position came open, they were taking two techs and I was like ‘I’m going to put in for that’ and I was told you can’t do that I was like, ‘Alright, well, watch me,’” she said.
It’s that mindset that paved her career and one she still follows. She’s worked for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad for 24 years now. It’s a duty that’s been ingrained in her since she was a kid.
“Hanging out in the fire department growing up, and as I got older, I became a law enforcement officer, so I’ve been here 30 years now. My sister is a firefighter at Southern Manatee,” she said.
Sehorne serves as the only full-time tech and female on the bomb squad. Three years ago, she became the commander for the team of six.
“There are not many of us. I think right now I’m top five in seniority in the state for female techs. I just like setting that example and opening doors and letting ladies know you can do this. You have to work for it, but you can do this,” she said.
Julia Hazel
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