Bomb Squad

The Bomb Squad often responds to calls involving:

• Improvised explosive devices
• Commercial explosives
• Suspicious packages/letters
• Hoax devices
• Bomb threats
• Found devices such as grenades, dynamite, etc.

They are trained to handle, use and safely dispose of explosives. The Bomb Squad began with one officer for the entire agency. This officer was a military EOD before working with the Sheriff’s Office. He handled this type of call from the 1970’s into the late 1990’s. In 1998, Sheriff Canaday formed the first Certified Bomb Unit. He sent two officers to Hazardous Device School in Huntsville, Alabama for a 6 week training. Since then, the unit has expanded to eight members. These members are made up of Certified Bomb Technicians as well as Bomb Squad Assistants.

The intent is to have two full squads for our region. This region includes the counties of Cabarrus, Iredell, Rowan, Stanly and Union. A squad includes two Certified Bomb Technicians and two Bomb Squad Assistants. Bomb squads:

• responds to suspicious packages or devices, found grenades and weapons
• work special events such as the NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Bomb squads often work with Federal agencies such as the ATF and FBI and other regional squads. The Bomb Squad Commander is Deputy Jason Yount. His supervisor is the Professional Standards Captain.