BAGHDAD, Iraq, January 14, 2006 - Fast-thinking Iraqi Police spared Coalition Force Soldiers from an improvised explosive device in eastern Baghdad January 9.

Iraqi Police manning a checkpoint stopped a convoy, headed by SSG Mark Matthews, 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 506th Regimental Combat Team, and warned them of the device. The Iraqi Police explosive ordnance disposal team soon arrived and destroyed the IED.

"The Iraqi Police provided additional security to help secure our convoy while we waited - then their EOD guys exploded the device," said Matthews. "The IPs tested the route then we made it through with no problems."

"Our training is definitely paying off. I appreciate the IPs letting my guys know about the IED. Their actions saved lives," said CPT Henry Groulx, commander, Company A, 801st BSB.