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The first Chinese bomb 'cracker'

The Young Reporter (1995, January 19), 27(04), pp. 7.
Author: Carol Li.
Permanent URL - https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/bujspa/purl.php?&did=bujspa0002125

By CAROL LI

“LEARNING from mistakes, using professional knowledge, and fully utilizing other possible devices in various situations are my mottoes,” said Mr Jimmy Yuen Hon-wing, 35, the first local Chinese bomb disposal officer in Hongkong.

Before he joined the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Mr Yuen entered a basic EOD training course on improvised explosive devices to inspectors.

He said, “In the course, I had an embarrassing experience!”

“I set off an imitation bomb so carelessly and was injured,” Mr Yuen continued. “I was embarrassed at that time because if it was a real situation, I would be dead.”

He said that he had forgotten the most important principle—not to touch a suspicious bomb whenever I am not concentrating or distracted. “I gained a lot in this minor accident!”

“I’ve worked for the Anti-vice Squad, Blue Berets, and Emergency Unit before I joined the EOD Unit,” he said, “I was impressed by the work of the Unit in dealing with suspecting bombs.”

“Later, I decided to join this Unit because it is very, professional and challenging and has good promotion prospect.”

“It was lucky that my parents and relatives supported my decision but my girlfriend, of course, opposed it. Finally, I could persuade her successfully by clarifying my job nature.”

When asked about the requirements for a bomb disposal officer, he said the recruit must be a local policeman with other three skills: the EOD skills, control and command ability (leadership talent), and threat assessment skills (dealing with crises) .

He revealed that the most impressive experience was the first week he joined the Unit.

He said, “At that time, I only knew how to find my seat and the restroom. I was really a freshman.”

However, he was told to go to a construction site on which was discovered a big unexploded bomb. It might be left from the war.

“On the way, I was very excited although I knew I only needed to be an observer,” he explained, “it was because I was ignorant and had no specific knowledge. Most importantly, it is my future career.”

“At first, I tried to remove bombs by myself,” Mr Yuen said, “However, they’re too heavy for me to lift them up.”

He also said sixteen big unexploded bombs were discovered in another construction site about half year ago. However, there were only three specialists including him and no other machines could help to lift up the bombs in the site.

Mr Yuen said he suddenly saw a bulldozer. Then, he came up with an idea of using it to lift the bombs up. “However, my seniors and I didn’t know how to control it,” he continued, “so, I just took five minutes to learn the skill from a worker.”

“Everything was in confusion because when I wanted to turn it to the left-hand side, it would go to the right. You could imagine how good the situation was.”

He said, “Finally, with my good driving skill, we could move all the bombs away from the site successfully and safely.”

“My job did not really change my attitudes. If so, I just say my behaviour changes gradually,” he continued. “It teaches me to be more optimistic towards difficulties and to search for the best solution in crises.”

What was his feeling about several films which introduced their jobs recently?

He said, “In fact, they are all joking!”

“First, it is not true in the movies. Second, our job isn’t so exciting at all. Mass media usually builds up an image for us and dramatizes our job nature!” he said. “However, we can seek recognition and resonance from them sometimes,” he said.

Jimmy said that his friends usually asked him about the accuracy of these films about his job. He smiled and said, “They sometimes admire what I have done and I have satisfaction in seeking recognition from them again.”

When asked about other alternatives, he said he would join the Hong Kong Red Cross.

He said, “I’ve been a volunteer in the Red Cross since I was 14. I’m now the Senior Youth Officer (N. T. Division) . It may be my first choice besides the police force.”

He said his job in the police and the Hong Kong Red Cross could help each other so that he had more confidence in handling his work.

“I’ll only quit my job if I’m physically disabled from work, and I’ll still choose to stay in the police force and take up administrative work.”

Jimmy Yuen was awarded the Ten Outstanding Youth Persons Award in 1993. He said, “I’ve this honour because of my contribution in the Red Cross as well as my special career in the police.”

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