New equipment possible through grants
Bomb squad ready to respond
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The way Americans live their lives has been forever changed due to the 9-11 tragedies that took hundreds of lives.

That reality is evident in the way the Indiana State Bomb Squad communicates and trains. "Something 9-11 taught everyone is we have to cross train and communicate," noted Sgt. Dan Goris, Commander of the Indiana Bomb Squad.

Having been with the Bomb Squad for ten years, the past three as commander, Goris knows first hand how things have changed. Not only with terrorist threats, but the rising problem of meth labs has caused the unit to be in constant training and direct communications with other entities.

Sgt. Goris noted that due to the growing number of meth labs, members of the bomb squad have dual training in both explosive work and meth labs as well.

The Indiana State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team is now better equipped to serve Hoosiers in the recognition, investigation and disposal of hazardous devices. That information was given at a news conference held Tuesday morning at the Versailles Post of the Indiana State Police.

On display was a new response vehicle, one of ten that are placed strategically throughout the state. This was made possible through money from a Homeland Security grant. Also purchased was high-tech equipment that is required to ensure the safety of those who participate in the unit.

The new vehicle at the Versailles Post is a white 2005 Ford F-550 Turbo Diesel 4X4 with an enclosed utility bed. Inside the vehicle are all the tools needed such as bomb suits, equipment used to dispose of explosive devices, portable x-ray machines, and a variety of specialized tools.

The grant, which totaled $886,000, was used to purchase bomb search suits, response vehicles, portable x-ray units, specialized hand tools and a variety of other equipment to assist team members in the investigation of suspicious devices.

When asked what the greatest threat was - bombs or meth labs, Trooper Rick Stockdale, who is a technician with the bomb squad noted that in a short period of time he expects meth labs to surpass the call for
bomb threats.

Sgt. Goris noted that military explosives and commercial old dynamite are two of the calls they respond to frequently. He added that the threat of old dynamite is worse than a bomb. The squad recently responded to old dynamite found in Jennings County. Goris emphasized the danger of old dynamite and noted if any is found to contact the State Police immediately. Another threat to safety is old illegal fireworks that can explode.

While the bomb squad has kept a very low profile and is definitely not giving out any 'trade secrets' they keep busy with training and are ready to respond at a moment's notice.

There are 13 technicians and 32 additional people who are assistants who make up this unique unit. Troopers Rick Stockdale and Joe Livers with the Versailles Post are both assistant technicians. "The department is fortunate to have a well-trained team capable of handling the high volume of calls each year," noted Lieutenant Colonel Danny East, deputy superintendent of enforcement.

Last year the members of the bomb squad responded to 116 calls in the state and held 56 training details, according to Sgt. Goris. He noted that the group has held dual training sessions with the military and recently participated in some training exercises at Muscatatuck Homeland Security Training Center, near Butlerville.

The bomb squad responds to a variety of calls, some are to investigate bomb threats, provide protection for dignitary situations such as the inaugural events, recovery of military and commercial explosives and improvised explosive devises. They have also been called on to disarm
devices from local and federal agencies, along with instructing the public safety agencies in recognizing explosive devices.

"We not only cover the six county area of the Versailles Post, but will assist other counties when needed," noted Sgt. Goris.

While people may not perceive this area as having many threats, the bomb squad is kept busy responding to a variety of calls that include people finding old military ordnance, old ammunition, dynamite, and yes, bombs.

Sgt. Goris noted that the unit works closely with the State Fire Marshal's Office and a number of other agencies. He noted that their division has a bomb dog as well.

The scope of the duties of the bomb squad is great with some details not made public. They are the people behind the scenes securing areas where people congregate. Trooper Stockdale noted that with the riverboats, power plants, major industry, schools and courthouses in the area, the unit keeps busy with a lot of preventative measures that the general public doesn't see.

In conclusion, Sgt. Goris noted that the easy access to information on how to make bombs is a threat to everyone. The Bomb Squad Disposal Team continues to improve their techniques through training and improved equipment to make Hoosiers' safety top priority.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Pictured beside the new vehicle and equipment purchased with Homeland Security grant money are Sgt. Dan Goris, Commander of the Indiana Bomb Squad, and Trooper Rick Stockdale, a technician with the unit.