Meet El Paso Police's only female certified bomb tech Officer Judy Oviedo
EL PASO, Texas (CBS4) — It’s Wednesday, which means CBS4 gets to showcase another woman in the borderland who’s Breaking the Bias.
CBS4 On Your Side introduces you to an El Paso Police Officer with many titles, who’s made it her mission to put her life on the line to save others.
El Paso Police Officer Judy Oviedo is proud to wear her badge. She joined the department 15 years ago.
“About eight years ago I joined the police department’s bomb squad and it’s been a great journey,” Oviedo said.
She’s the only certified female bomb tech in the department. She said a memory from her childhood inspired her to pursue this career.
“I grew up in a military household, so when the Oklahoma City bombing occurred we were transitioning from Oklahoma City to El Paso where my parents are from, so that was something that always stuck in my head, kind of like the August 3rd shooting here, it’s something that was really prevalent in our community, so when I joined the department and I found out we had the bomb department, I made it a point that I was going to join,” Oviedo said.
Oviedo said she’s not scared to get her hands dirty, even if it means putting her life on the line.
“We do have to make sure that we render that area safe if there is a bomb located, so there’s different procedures that we’ll do, we may end up actually going into the building to diffuse that bomb,” Oviedo said.
She said while she is grateful to have a career she’s passionate about, she tells CBS4 what keeps her going, is her first job – as a mom and now a grandma.
I have two children, my son is 19, he’ll be 20 in November and then I have a 22 year old daughter,” Oviedo said. “They tell me everyday how proud they are of me.
Her advice, no matter what life throws at you, don't let fear limit you and your vision.
“There are sacrifices that you’re going to have to make and things that you’re going to fail at, and I think that’s something that not only women, but men also, are afraid to do is failing at something, but that’s the only way you’re going to move forward,” Oviedo said.
CBS4 asked Oviedo what's next? She said she plans to stay with El Paso Police as long as she can.
The department is hiring, if you’re interested in learning more about their upcoming academies click this link.
Missed last week's Breaking the Bias segment? Watch it and others in this section.
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