Sarah Charbonneau, DFS

Sarah Charbonneau is an experienced Bomb Technician, Arson and Explosive and Fraud Detective with over 10 years of experience in State Law Enforcement. She has committed herself to continuous education and training in explosive operations, handling, arson, fraud, and all fundamental aspects of the profession. 

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Sarah has conducted investigations into suspected financial fraud, including mortgage fraud, transaction irregularities, identity theft cases, fraudulent documents, fraudulent death, origin and cause, and explosive cases all while ensuring timely resolution and compliance with internal and regulatory standards. Sarah has also contributed much of her law enforcement career to contributing to reducing fraud exposure by identifying high-risk patterns and preventing potential losses while determining the appropriate actions for case resolution, escalations, and case closures. Sarah served time on the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Explosives Task Force as a deputized Task Force Officer (TFO) assisting with federal investigations, including specialized bomb and explosive units.

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Sarah holds a Doctoral degree in Forensic Science from Oklahoma State University (OSU) with a concentration in explosives and destructive devices. As a lead bomb technician and ATF TFO, Sarah extensively worked on many post-blast scenes, including ATM explosions, fuel-air explosions, arsons, and IED, VBIED, and IID explosions. Through the progression of her doctoral degree, coupled with her field experience, Sarah frequently experienced what it felt like to walk that long, quiet walk. Sarah recalls these peaceful moments as deeply impactful and methodically invigorating.

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Sarah’s master’s and doctoral studies include:

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• Cumulative Effects on SWAT Personnel and Explosive Breachers When Exposed to Repetitive Overpressure, and

• Overpressure Exposure to Public Safety Bomb Technicians: Viable DTI and NeuroQuant Baseline Testing for TBI.
   

Sarah’s vision has been to commit herself to an impactful, methodologically sound exploration of an issue long overlooked in public safety and tactical operations: the neurocognitive risks (i.e., TBI) associated with cumulative blast overpressure exposure among Public Safety Bomb Technicians (PSBTs) and explosive breachers. The progression through her studies and field experience has translated to setting a clear tone and mission statement for future endeavors.​