The Grand Junction Police Department bomb squad stands ready to handle explosive threats across 14 counties in western Colorado. This multi agency team responds to 50 to 75 calls each year, dealing with unknown items like old dynamite from the regions mining past.

Team Makeup and Rigorous Training

The bomb squad draws members from both the Grand Junction Police Department and the fire department. This setup lets them collect evidence during investigations and offer medical help if injuries occur on site. Experts say this combined approach boosts their effectiveness in high risk situations.

Each technician must complete 24 hours of training every month. They focus on skills like reading X rays of suspicious objects and operating robots for safe checks. Every three years, the team recertifies at the FBI Hazardous Device School to stay sharp on the latest techniques.1

Sean Crocker, the bomb squad commander, stresses the need for constant practice. He notes that proficiency in explosives knowledge and safety protocols saves lives during real calls. The team includes six certified technicians, three from police and three from fire, ensuring round the clock coverage.

Training covers a wide range of scenarios tied to western Colorados history. For example, many calls stem from leftover mining tools in areas like Rifle and Gateway. This preparation helps them tackle everything from blasting caps to suspicious packages found in homes.

Wide Coverage Across Western Colorado

The squad serves as a regional resource for 14 rural counties, including Mesa, Montrose, Garfield, and Pitkin. They also extend aid to parts of eastern Utah when needed, filling a gap in remote areas where local teams lack specialized gear. This broad reach protects communities spread over vast, rugged terrain.

Calls often come from folks clearing old properties or hiking in mining districts. Western Colorados past as a hub for uranium and coal extraction left behind unstable explosives. The team responds quickly through central dispatch, assembling gear and heading out with at least two technicians per incident.

In a typical year, the squad handles 50 to 75 such responses. Most involve everyday people who stumble upon items they cannot identify, like vintage grenades from World War Two or forgotten dynamite sticks. Their mutual aid status means no charge to the calling agency or resident, making help accessible.

This table shows examples of the diverse areas and typical issues the squad faces. It highlights how local history shapes their workload.

Safety Measures and Advanced Tools

Safety comes first on every call, as technicians face the unknown each time. The team starts with remote methods to keep distance from potential dangers. Robots scout ahead, providing eyes and hands without risking human lives.

If remote ops fail, they shift to semi remote tactics like using ropes to pull items to safer spots. Blast suits weighing 80 to 90 pounds protect technicians during close work. These heavy gear pieces allow them to approach and neutralize threats methodically.

The squad deploys two types of robots for reconnaissance and handling objects. Newer models like the Telerob let them operate from farther away, cutting injury risks. X ray tools help identify contents without opening packages, a key step in avoiding accidents.

Crocker explains that caution defines their work. They treat every item as live until proven otherwise, drawing from past close calls in the region. This layered approach has kept the team incident free for years.

• Key safety protocols include:
• Always deploying at least two technicians for backup.
• Using robots for initial inspections to minimize exposure.
• Conducting post call reviews to improve future responses.
• Coordinating with local fire for medical support on scene.

These steps ensure both team and public safety during operations.

Recent Calls and Community Impact

In August 2025, the squad detonated over 50 year old dynamite found during a property cleanup in Grand Junction. An emergency alert went out county wide by mistake, but the controlled blast caused no harm. This event underscored the prevalence of old explosives in everyday settings.

Earlier in June 2025, technicians checked jars of unknown liquid in a residential garage on Ouray Avenue. After tests, they deemed it safe, easing community worries amid national security concerns. Another June incident involved a home search where a suspect had a history of making improvised devices, leading to an arrest.

These cases show the squads role in preventing disasters. They handled a suspicious item in July 2025 that turned out inert, posing no threat. Such quick actions build trust and encourage reports from residents.

The teams work ties into broader trends, like increased vigilance after events in Boulder. By addressing mining relics and modern threats, they safeguard a region with growing tourism and development. Their efforts prevent small finds from becoming big problems.

Tips for Residents on Suspicious Finds

If you spot something odd like old dynamite or a strange package, do not touch it. Call 911 right away and let professionals handle it. The squad urges this to avoid risks, as even seemingly harmless items can be unstable after decades.

Experts recommend staying back and noting details for dispatchers. This helps the team prepare gear en route. In western Colorado, where mining history lingers, awareness saves lives.

The bomb squads free service removes barriers to reporting. Residents in covered counties benefit from this expert response, fostering safer communities. For more on local safety, check city resources.

Share your thoughts on this vital service in the comments below. Have you encountered something suspicious? Let us know and spread the word to keep everyone informed.