Bomb Squad adds X-ray tool

Devices purchased with grant to be used on various hazardous calls

A regional bomb squad just got a boost from federal funding.

Mentor Police Department recently received two Scanna portable security X-ray systems through U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant funding.

They will be used to aid the Lake County Bomb Squad — serving Geauga and Ashtabula counties as well — in analyzing suspicious packages and devices.

The $55,682 grant covered the entire cost of the machines.

“We have two response trucks for the bomb squad, each able and equipped to respond to calls,” said Mentor Police Capt. Andrew Lehner, bomb squad commander.

The Mentor Police Department has operational control and oversight of the squad.

“Since 2016, the bomb squad has been utilized between 60 and 70 times each year,” Lehner said.

“Not all are suspicious package calls, but we X-ray more than just suspicious packages.”

In addition to reported known or suspected hazardous and explosive devices, the bomb squad responds for military ordnance findings — often requiring assistance from military units — disposal of fireworks (commercial and homemade), disposal of old ammunition, protective sweeps for dignitaries, post-blast investigation and other hazardous situations.

The FBI oversees all public safety bomb squads in the country.

There are bomb technicians, medics and an explosive-detecting K9 unit in the Lake County squad.

“Some squads cover a relatively small geographic region like a single city while others serve several counties.

The Lake County squad vehicles have been in service for six to 12 years.

Along with Mentor, other agencies represented on the bomb squad are Eastlake Police Department, Concord Township Fire Department and Geauga County Sheriff’s Department.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department has been represented on the squad in the past, but currently has no members on the team, Lehner said.

The new equipment will be put into service once personnel are fully trained on how to operate the systems.

SUBMITTED Mentor Police Department recently received two X-ray scanners for the Lake County Bomb Squad’s use on suspicious packages.