TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced that members of his Division of Investigative and Forensic Services’ (DIFS) Bomb Squad Team were deployed to Tampa to assist the Tampa Police Department and the FBI in preparation for Super Bowl 55. While there, bomb squad detectives will conduct sweeps of venues for explosive and hazardous devices. The DIFS’ Bomb Squad consists of 13 Certified Bomb Techs and three Apprentices. DIFS also has two explosive detection K-9’s that have been deployed in support of the Super Bowl.
 
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “This year, Florida is proudly hosting our 17th Super Bowl and while there will be limited capacity allowed inside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa this weekend, safety is still our top priority. That is why I have deployed my highly-trained DIFS members to assist local law enforcement and the FBI to help ensure this is a safe and enjoyable event for all Floridians and visitors. While many of us will be watching from home, let’s not forget those who will be working to ensure the safety of those attending the game. Thank you to our DIFS team and all of our dedicated first responders for their hard work and service.”
 
The Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations is a branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services and is responsible for conducting fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes statewide. Investigators are sworn state law enforcement officers and are available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to calls initiated by fire departments, law enforcement agencies and citizens who need assistance conducting fire origin and cause investigations.