Despite the talks of cuts to homeland security funding for New York, first responders were in Pomona Friday to get specialized training in recognizing bombs and explosive materials.

Experts from New Mexico who teach around the country were conducting a two-day seminar at the fire training center. Police officers, EMS personnel and volunteer firefighters were learning how to distinguish if something is a real bomb or explosive. The first responders say the training is necessary since Rockland is 25 miles north of New York City and has had numerous bomb threats at the Palisades Mall.

The specialized training is made possible through state homeland security grants.